Strictly G.I.

This short film was made for the troops serving abroad in order to bolster their spirits. It consists of Bob Hope emceeing a broadcast with Betty Hutton, Lana Turner and Judy Garland.

The best thing about this short, by far, is getting to see and hear Judy Garland singing "Over the Rainbow"...a true classic that melts your heart. The portion with Hutton is simply Hutton doing what she always does...singing VERY loudly and with lots of energy. I know she was popular...but I never particularly enjoyed her musical stylings! And as for Lana, she did not (naturally) sing but traded barbs with Hoppe.

Overall, this is a nice historical time capsule--letting us see some of the top stars of the day doing their part to help the troops.

You can find this gem on Turner Classic Movies. Released when more than 2 more years of WWII lie ahead, this is great time capsule from those dark days. Bob Hope is not one of all-time favorites, but he's in top form here, as the radio emcee for 3 of Hollywood's hottest starlets of the time: Betty Hutton, Lana Turner & Judy Garland. Betty is up first, and is unbelievably dynamic in belting out a rousing "Murder, He Said"--this is absolutely top-notch, a show stealer. Next up is Lana, with some brief comic banter with Bob. Finally, it's Judy with a very nice version of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" (did she ever do any other kind in those days?) It will be a matter of blind luck if you catch this little gem on TCM, but I trust that, like me, you will be glad that you did.

If you catch this on TCM between movies, watch it and enjoy. Seeing Betty Hutton sing Murder, He Said is amazing. I pity anyone that would have to follow her. They say you never want to follow kids or dogs on stage, but it should be you never want to follow Betty Hutton.

Bob Hope does his usual good job as emcee and Lana Turner looks good bantering with Hope. Judy Garland finishes with Somewhere Over The Rainbow and it's interesting to contrast her with Hutton.

Over at The Annie Get Your Gun message board, there's always the debate about whether Garland would have been better than Hutton as Annie. My opinion is that the role called for a big voice like Hutton's and while I admire Garland, Hutton was perfect. This short is a way to compare their styles and make your own decision.

Only 13 minutes long, this is a real gem. Hutton's performance alone will blow you away.

Strictly G.I. (1943)

*** (out of 4)

Bob Hope hosts this filmed broadcast of "Command Performance", which also features Betty Hutton, Lana Turner and Judy Garland. I'd be lying if I said I was a big fan of Hope but he's very funny in this short and Hutton sings a great version of Murder, He Said. Garland sings "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".

Turner Classic Movies shows this every once in a while so if you're a fan of the cast then you should certainly keep your eyes open. Hopefully Warner will get around to releasing this one day on one of their box sets.

This short is a filmed radio broadcast of Command Performance--one of a series of shows dedicated to American servicemen during WWII. The idea, of course, is to remind soldiers of what they are fighting for. Bob Hope brings out three outstanding examples of American womanhood and facilitates the fantasies of military men from afar.

Betty Hutton's rendition of "Murder, He Says" is full of energy, accented by her quirky but cute facial tics and some jive moves that are a joyous celebration.

Hope then trades jokes with Lana Turner about sizzling steaks. His trademark one-liners are perfect for this radio.

Judy Garland sings "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"--a real slice of Americana.

All in all, this film is a poignant reminder of how war makes men appreciate the small things. Hollywood did a good job of keeping a happy face for those in harm's way. Viewing this film--and knowing now what horrors faced the servicemen and civilians of the time--is a glimpse back at a schizophrenic world, made all the more precious as a reminder of dedication to the survival of freedoms.