We Joined the Navy

We Joined the Navy is a British comedy film, directed by Hollywood veteran, Wendy Toye and released in 1962. The film sails viewers into a hilarious array of sea-based shenanigans and naval misadventures, starring the iconic British actor Kenneth More, alongside American actors, Lloyd Nolan and Joan O'Brien.

The film begins with its lead character, Vice Admiral Sir William Stratford (played by Kenneth More), on the threshold of a critical diplomatic event at a fictional naval base located in the South Pacific called HMS Aristotle. As an overworked and rather beleaguered high-rank official, Sir Stratford's stability is shaken when a new recruit – Lieutenant Commander Robert Badger (played by Lloyd Nolan) – arrives from America as part of an officer exchange protocol. However, Lieutenant Badger is no ordinary crewmember; with his wild streak and propensity for mischief, he immediately begins to shake up the routine formalities of HMS Aristotle.

We Joined the Navy is about not only the induction and adventures of Lieutenant Badger but also about how the internal mechanism of the British naval base adjusts to a vibrant, anticipation-worthy character like Badger, who plays the archetypal 'maverick'. Lloyd Nolan's performance is one of his memorable roles, and he does an excellent job capturing the personality of Badger – sarcastic, irreverent, yet also deeply dedicated to his responsibilities.

Supporting Nolan is Joan O'Brien who, despite the male-dominated setting, brings a refreshing counterbalance as the charming and exuberant Lieutenant Carol Blair. The romantic undercurrents that develop between the characters of Lloyd and O'Brien add another layer of complexity to the narrative and serve to further engage the viewers into the film.

However, it is undoubtedly Kenneth More who takes the center stage in We Joined the Navy. More's performance as Admiral Stratford is both endearing and praise-worthy. Stratford seems like a quintessential serious, responsible officer that you might imagine leading a naval base, but More's portrayal infuses a sense of humanity and vulnerability into the character that truly makes him shine. The interactions between More and Nolan provide some of the film's best moments as they navigate their professional rapport and personal friendship.

With a naval base as the backdrop, the film does a remarkable job of capturing the realities of navy life without getting lost in the technicalities. There are glimmers of pride, honor, discipline, and naval traditions sprinkled all over the plot. Scenes featuring parades, grand dinners, morning drills, and salute ceremonies help build a strong sense of setting, while also adding depth to the story's rich character tapestry.

Wendy Toye's direction certainly deserves praise as well. She balances the comedy and drama perfectly, never letting farcical elements overshadow the genuine personal dynamics at play in the narrative. One sees her significant Hollywood experience reflected in nuanced storytelling and the artful handling of a renowned cast.

The screenplay by John and Nicholas Phipps is another high point. It is filled with clever wordplay and sharp, humorous dialogues that both entertain and illuminate character. And yet, the narrative never loses sight of the evolving arcs of Admiral Stratford or Lieutenant Commander Badger.

Cinematography by Geoffrey Unsworth, renowned for his later contributions to films like 2001: A Space Odyssey and Superman, is another aspect of We Joined the Navy that stands out. Creating a well-articulated world of the naval base, filled with visual observable details that work in harmony with the story's comedy premise.

Colorful, imbued with an underlined satire on military regimentation, and led by an impressive performance by Kenneth More, We Joined the Navy is a classic British comedy that still holds considerable charm and wit. It is a lighthearted film about unlikely friendships, duty, honor, tradition, and the often-comedic clash of personalities in confined spaces. Whether you're a fan of old British comedies or maritime movies, this film offers something unique and nostalgic in a package that's hard to resist. Whether it's your first time viewing or a revisit, you're bound to be charmed and amused by We Joined the Navy.