Rookies Go to War

Set against the backdrop of World War II, Rookies Go to War is a lighthearted, comedic romp that serves as a welcome respite from the darkness of war. The film tells the story of four close-knit buddies, Jimmy (Jack Oakie), Andy (James Ellison), Chuck (James Craig), and Al (Richard Lane), who enlist in the military together, determined to make their mark on the world. However, their enthusiasm quickly turns into chaos under the watchful eye of their long-suffering sergeant, Thompson (Robert Middlemass). The movie opens with the four buddies arriving at their new army base, full of confidence and ready for action. Initially, their drill sergeant tries to instill discipline and toughness into them, but his efforts are quickly thwarted as the friends continue to wreak havoc, often for the amusement of the rest of the platoon. As the story unfolds, Thompson, who is desperate to send his recruits to war, constantly pushes the boundaries of what constitutes training, resulting in an array of absurd and hilarious situations. The four friends, on the other hand, seem to thrive in this chaotic environment, where they often have more fun than they do actual training. One of the central plot points in the film centers around Jimmy, Andy, Chuck, and Al as they participate in a series of wacky training exercises, which consistently go awry due to their incompetence. Their mistakes include accidentally triggering an artillery barrage that inadvertently lands on their own base, setting off a panic among their comrades, and their botched attempt to sabotage their own drill sergeant by tying his shoelaces to a fence post, resulting in the sergeant stumbling and falling while on duty. Despite Thompson's relentless efforts, the four friends continue to undermine his authority, much to the amusement of the rest of the platoon. As the tension between Thompson and the friends reaches a boiling point, the army decides to send the unit to France, where they find themselves on the front lines in the midst of a battle. In the midst of the chaos, the four friends find themselves lost behind enemy lines, leading to a series of slapstick misadventures as they attempt to escape from the Germans. The absurdity of the situation is amplified by the film's over-the-top humor and the characters' willingness to take risks and push the boundaries. The climactic finale sees the four friends working together to outsmart their enemy and avoid capture. While the outcome is predictably positive, it's the journey, rather than the destination, that provides the laughs. As the four friends navigate their way through various obstacles, including a chaotic battle scene, a hilarious encounter with a German tank, and a comedic misadventure involving a French farmer, the story takes on a life of its own. Throughout the film, the camaraderie and bond between the four friends is palpable, making their antics all the more endearing. The chemistry between Jack Oakie, James Ellison, James Craig, and Richard Lane is undeniable, and their comedic timing is spot-on. The movie's lighthearted tone and comedic style are reminiscent of classic comedies from the 1940s, such as "The Roaring Twenties" and "The African Queen." In the end, Rookies Go to War serves as a heartwarming tale of friendship and camaraderie, despite its absurd and comedic premise. The film shows that, even in the midst of chaos and war, friendship and loyalty can be the greatest strengths of all.