This is the Army

This is the Army from 1943 is a delightful blend of music, patriotism, and nostalgia wrapped in the sensational package of a Hollywood musical. A quintessential production of the 1940s, the film beautifully grasps the essence of an era marked by the struggles of World War II and veers towards stirring patriotism and bolstering morale.

The movie features a splendid cast led by George Murphy and Joan Leslie, with strong contributions from George Tobias. Murphy excels as Jerry Jones, a professional Broadway performer and dancer grappling with changing times and roles. His dynamic performance is both captivating and humorous, navigating the terrain of performing arts and military service with equal ease. Joan Leslie plays his on-screen love interest, Eileen Dibble, offering a charming, sweet, and levelheaded woman who earns the viewers' sympathy and affection.

Directed by Michael Curtiz, renowned for classics such as Casablanca, the film commences in the pre-WW1 era. George Murphy's character, Jerry Jones, is a Broadway endearing star who is drafted into World War I and forced to leave his flourishing career and his fiancé, who is Joan Leslie's character. As the war ends and soldiers return home, Jones decides to organize a soldier show called 'Yip Yip Yaphank', a musical depiction of cadets' life that turned out to be a smashing success on Broadway.

Fast forward to World War II, Jerry Jones’ son Johnny Jones (played by Lt. Ronald Reagan) is now serving the army and wants to put up a musical show similar to what his dad did in World War I. This time they create an all-soldier show titled "This Is the Army." The multi-layered narrative incorporates songs and sketches which are not just entertaining but also reflective of the era.

George Tobias contributes significantly with his delightful performance as Maxie Twardofsky. His comic timing is impeccable, adding a light-hearted touch to some of the movie’s serious moments. Walter Huston, although in a brief role as another soldier, leaves a lasting impression with his natural ease in front of the camera.

One of the pivotal highlights of the movie is the memorable songs penned by iconic songwriter Irving Berlin. Serving as a linchpin connecting several scenes, the music and dance numbers are exemplary of Berlin's creative prowess. The songs, like "I Left My Heart at the Stage Door Canteen" and "This Is the Army, Mister Jones," adeptly encapsulate the mood of the times, tugging at the heartstrings of viewers.

Making use of color technicolor, Curtiz ably crafts a musical that not only resonates with the zeitgeist of the era but also exudes an infectious vibe that compels the viewers to tap their feet. Moreover, the costumes and grand sets all unify harmoniously under his direction to recreate Broadway’s glitz and glamour and military uniformity on screen.

Importantly, This is The Army depicts the ethos of the military world and the personal sacrifices that soldiers and their families make for their nation. By placing the narrative against the backdrop of World War II, the movie surpasses the limits of a typical musical show and becomes a compelling narrative on resilience, courage, and patriotism. War realities are touched upon subtly but effectively, evincing a stark contrast between the soldiers' jovial stage performances and their real-life experiences.

The movie is a unique blend of real-life military personnel and professional actors that adds authenticity and charm to the overall narrative. In fact, part of the earnings of the movie was used towards the Army Relief Fund, making the movie not just a wartime morale booster but also a source of real-life assistance to the soldiers.

In the end, This is the Army is an entertaining and invigorating cinematic experience that combines history, warfare, and entertainment in a harmonious mix. It's a movie that not only brings tears and smiles to its viewers in equal measure but also instills a sense of appreciation for the brave soldiers who put their lives on the line to safeguard their country, even as they partook in leveling spirits with their musical camaraderie. It's not just a musical film; it's a patriotic tribute and a historical commentary that resonates even today.