Croisière mouvementée

"Ship Ahoy" is one of MGM's minor musical comedies of the early 40s with a simple plot, great dance numbers by Eleanor Powell and comedy antics by Red Skelton supplemented by the music of Tommy Dorsey's orchestra which includes Buddy Rich and a young Frank Sinatra. Fun added by Bert Lahr and Smile-less Virginia O'Brien. This film is fun to watch!

Ahh, that exotic "open seas location" of an ocean cruise... aka the back lot at MGM. The leads Eleanor Powell and Red Skelton take a cruise down to Puerto Rico. The usual wartime plot with spies, trickery, and mistaken identities. More tap dancing with Powell. Some other big Hollywood names in here -- Bert Lehr who had JUST had his big role in Wizard of Oz, uses the same wide-eyes looks and voice that we saw in W.O.O. Virginia O'Brien is Fran, fun as always, and sings "Poor Me, Poor You". (Did you notice on the poster for the costume ball, the Captain's name was ALSO O'Brien?) Uncredited Frank Sinatra does a song during the costume ball scene. Much screen time for Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra. The plot is kind of fluff, but we don't really spend much time on that. Not sure why the dancing girl knows Morse Code. Directed by Ed Buzzell, who had made a couple films with Powell and a couple with Skelton. and even a couple with the Marx brothers. Pretty entertaining, but you won't miss much if you don't pay close attention. Some clever lines, since about half the cast had started in vaudeville halls. Runs a bit long, (from all that TAP DANCING...) but on the plus side, we get to hear Sinatra, Virginia Obrien, and Tommy Dorsey.

The plot of this enjoyable MGM musical is contrived and only occasionally amusing, dealing with espionage and romance but the focus of the film is properly pointed upon the tuneful interludes showcasing the enormously talented and athletic tap dancing Eleanor Powell, abetted by Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra, featuring Ziggy Elman, Buddy Rich and Frank Sinatra. Red Skelton shares top billing with Powell, and he and sidekick Bert Lahr are given most of the comedic minutes, although Skelton is more effective when he, if it can be believed, performs as Powell's love interest, with Virginia O'Brien actually providing most of the film's humor as the dancer's companion. The technical brilliance of Powell is evidenced during one incredible scene within which Buddy Rich contributes his drumming skills, and which must be viewed several times in order to permit one's breathing to catch up with her precision. Director Edward Buzzell utilizes his large cast well to move the action nicely along despite the rather disjointed script with which he must deal, and permits Powell's cotangent impossibilities to rule the affair, as is appropriate.

One of the legendary Broadway stars who did not forge a memorable career in films, Bert Lahr performs at his cinematic best in this flimsy, albeit entertaining, musical comedy. Given considerable screen time and a character that permits his idiosyncratic comic turns to fit comfortably, Lahr exceeds his achievements in other movies. Whether working to only the camera, or with Red Skelton, or with Virginia O'Brien (a good partner for him), Bert Lahr at last shows what he can do. His brand of comedy may not be to everyone's taste (whose is?), but if you like his "shtick," don't miss this one.

I just love this movie! Red Skelton has always been one of my favorites, and Miss Powell's dancing is fabulous. My family's favorite part of this movie, however, is VIRGINIA O'BRIEN! Known for her deadpan facial expressions, she outdoes herself while singing the song Poor You. (Pay attention to the lyrics - so funny!) We have to rewind this part of the movie several times just because she is so ADORABLE! And the reactions by Bert Lahr are priceless. The music is good, the plot okay, but who cares? Miss Powell is gorgeous and the love story is cute. And it's a treat to see a young Frank Sinatra. One of my favorites.