IMDb RATING
5.8/10
1.3K
YOUR RATING
A soldier wounded in the War (WWI) becomes a producer and stages a show for the forces.A soldier wounded in the War (WWI) becomes a producer and stages a show for the forces.A soldier wounded in the War (WWI) becomes a producer and stages a show for the forces.
- Won 1 Oscar
- 2 wins & 2 nominations total
Ronald Reagan
- Johnny Jones
- (as Lt. Ronald Reagan)
Alan Anderson
- Assistant Stage Manager Anderson
- (as 1st Sgt Alan Anderson)
Ezra Stone
- M
- (as M/Sgt. Ezra Stone)
- …
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWhen Irving Berlin was filming his rendition of "Oh, How I Hate to Get Up in the Morning", one of the stagehands, unaware of who the singer was, supposedly said that if the guy who wrote the song could hear Berlin's singing, he'd roll over in his grave.
- GoofsThe uniform worn by Gertrude Niesen in the opening sequence is strictly of a 1943, not 1917, design, complete with padded shoulders and knee length skirt, and totally inappropriate to the 1917 era.
- Quotes
Irving Berlin: [singing] I've been a soldier quite awhile and I would like to state, the life is simply wonderful, the Army food is great. I sleep with 97 others in a wooden hut, I love them all, they all love me, It's very lovely, but - Oh, how I hate to get up in the morning...
- Crazy creditsIn the Credits, the cast members are listed in the following order: first the members, who never served in World War II, than the members of the US Armed Forces, starting with Lt. Ronald Reagan.
- Alternate versionsOriginally shown with a pre-credits overture and exit music after the film ends, both of which have been restored on the official DVD release.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Show-Business at War (1943)
Featured review
I love this film!
I first saw this film on cable in the late 1970's, and was mesmerized by the story and the music. Certainly, as many people comment, it is propagandistic, but it is also a masterpiece, showcasing an almost-forgotten time. Irving Berlin is one of this country's most prolific and best-loved songwriters, and this musical extravaganza is an homage to his talent and genius.
The cast is unique and wonderful. The main characters are played solidly by "name" stars, but the musical ensemble cast (real U.S. soldiers at the time) are what set this film apart.
A reviewer complaining that it isn't "realistic" overstates the point. So what if you think an "average" army base couldn't produce a cast for a show like this. Film is a medium that attempts to suspend reality and let you enter a place, situation, relationship, time period, etc. that you might not otherwise get to experience. It's sometimes the view of one person's "reality," a manifestation of their own "vision."
My copy of this film is on a very old (early 80's) VHS copy, a low-end bargain release which is of marginal quality, but I love every minute of it. I certainly hope someone reviews some of the specific DVD choices out there, I'd like to get the DVD before I wear out the VHS!
If you enjoy a good flag-waving, patriotic musical, this is a film you will enjoy. If you enjoy Irving Berlin's music, it's a soundtrack you will enjoy. Personally I'd put this on a par with the 1942 film, "Yankee Doodle Dandy," and both films share a few cast members!
The cast is unique and wonderful. The main characters are played solidly by "name" stars, but the musical ensemble cast (real U.S. soldiers at the time) are what set this film apart.
A reviewer complaining that it isn't "realistic" overstates the point. So what if you think an "average" army base couldn't produce a cast for a show like this. Film is a medium that attempts to suspend reality and let you enter a place, situation, relationship, time period, etc. that you might not otherwise get to experience. It's sometimes the view of one person's "reality," a manifestation of their own "vision."
My copy of this film is on a very old (early 80's) VHS copy, a low-end bargain release which is of marginal quality, but I love every minute of it. I certainly hope someone reviews some of the specific DVD choices out there, I'd like to get the DVD before I wear out the VHS!
If you enjoy a good flag-waving, patriotic musical, this is a film you will enjoy. If you enjoy Irving Berlin's music, it's a soundtrack you will enjoy. Personally I'd put this on a par with the 1942 film, "Yankee Doodle Dandy," and both films share a few cast members!
helpful•164
- coloradokid719
- Aug 27, 2003
- How long is This Is the Army?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Irving Berlin's This Is the Army
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $20,831,178
- Runtime2 hours 1 minute
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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