SYNOPSIS: At War with the Army (1950) is a musical comedy directed by Hal Walker, featuring Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in their first starring roles together. Set during World War II, the film takes place in a stateside army training camp, where First Sergeant Vic Puccinelli (Dean Martin) and Private First Class Alvin Korwin (Jerry Lewis) serve.

Vic is a smooth-talking, resourceful NCO frustrated by his lack of promotion, while Alvin is a bumbling, naïve soldier constantly finding himself in ridiculous predicaments. Alvin struggles to secure a pass to visit his wife and newborn baby, but his efforts are repeatedly thwarted by military bureaucracy and his own ineptitude. Vic attempts to help Alvin using his connections, but his efforts often lead to more confusion and chaos.

Throughout the film, Alvin's misadventures provide continuous humor, from getting stuck in a tuba during band practice to mistakenly ending up in the women's barracks. Vic, meanwhile, tries to court local woman Deborah Caldwell (Polly Bergen) while managing the crises caused by Alvin's blunders.

Overbearing Sgt. McVey (Mike Kellin) becomes increasingly irritated with the pair, devising schemes to put them in their place, though his plans usually fail spectacularly, adding to the comedic elements.

At War with the Army satirizes military life, highlighting the absurdity and bureaucratic challenges faced by soldiers. The film was well-received for its comedic timing and the chemistry between Martin and Lewis, whose contrasting characters – the suave Vic and the bumbling Alvin – created a dynamic that became a staple in their subsequent films. It remains a classic example of early 1950s comedy, reflecting the era's humor and marking the beginning of Martin and Lewis's successful partnership in Hollywood.

PLOT Spoiler Alert: At War with the Army is a comedic romp set in the United States Army during World War II. The film opens at a stateside army base where the soldiers are preparing for various duties. Among them are Sgt. Vic Puccinelli and Pvt. First Class Alvin Korwin, two soldiers who couldn't be more different. Vic is a suave, confident ladies' man, while Alvin is clumsy and perpetually nervous.

The plot revolves around Alvin's desperate attempts to secure a pass to visit his wife and newborn child. However, he is continuously thwarted by his own incompetence and the machinations of his fellow soldiers and superiors. Sgt. Puccinelli, who is Alvin's best friend, tries to help him but is often distracted by his own romantic entanglements and the responsibilities of his rank.

One of the film's major comedic set pieces involves Alvin and Vic being assigned to run the base's office. Alvin's ineptitude with office machinery and procedures leads to a series of slapstick mishaps, including a chaotic episode with a mimeograph machine that leaves both soldiers covered in ink and paper.

The film also features a subplot involving a group of con artists trying to swindle the soldiers with a phony war bond scheme. Alvin and Vic unwittingly become entangled in the scheme, leading to more comedic escapades as they attempt to expose the fraudsters and clear their names.

Amidst the comedy, there are several musical numbers showcasing Dean Martin's singing talents. These interludes provide a charming contrast to the physical comedy and highlight the duo's versatility.

As the film progresses, Alvin's persistence and good heart eventually pay off. In a climactic scene, he manages to expose the con artists and earns the respect of his fellow soldiers. Vic, seeing Alvin's growth, helps him finally secure the pass to visit his family. The film concludes with Alvin triumphantly heading home, while Vic remains behind, having learned a few lessons about friendship and responsibility.

PRODUCTION: The production of At War with the Army is notable for its efficient execution and the collaborative efforts that brought it to fruition. Directed by Hal Walker and produced by Fred F. Finklehoffe, the film was adapted from a stage play by James B. Allardice. Produced under the banner of York Pictures Corporation, the movie was distributed by Paramount Pictures. The project was completed on a modest budget, which influenced various aspects of its production.

Filming primarily took place on sound stages and backlots, which were designed to recreate the setting of a stateside army base during World War II. The tight production schedule required careful planning and coordination, with most of the scenes shot in controlled environments to maintain consistency and efficiency. 

Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis were already an established comedy duo, known for their performances on stage and radio. Their transition to film was a strategic move, and "At War with the Army" was their first major starring vehicle.

The production capitalized on their unique comedic chemistry, with Martin's smooth, debonair persona contrasting effectively with Lewis's energetic and slapstick humor. This dynamic was a focal point of the film and was carefully nurtured during production to ensure it translated well on screen.

Musical numbers were integral to the production, highlighting Dean Martin's singing talents and Jerry Lewis's comedic flair. The songs, such as "You and Your Beautiful Eyes" and "The Navy Gets the Gravy but the Army Gets the Beans," were choreographed and integrated into the film to enhance its entertainment value. These sequences required additional coordination, involving rehearsals and precise timing to match the comedic rhythm of the scenes.

Despite the modest budget, the production team managed to deliver a polished final product. However, the process was not without its challenges. One significant issue arose post-production when Martin and Lewis filed a lawsuit against the producers, claiming they were not fairly compensated according to their profit-sharing agreement. This legal dispute underscored the complexities of financial arrangements in Hollywood and highlighted the importance of clear and equitable contractual terms.

Overall, the production of "At War with the Army" was a crucial stepping stone for Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, solidifying their transition from stage to screen and setting the up their future success in Hollywood. The film's efficient production process and the effective collaboration among the cast and crew were key factors in bringing this musical comedy to life.

RELEASE: At War with the Army marked a pivotal moment in the careers of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis, as it was their first major feature film together. Distributed by Paramount Pictures, the film premiered on December 30, 1950, in New York City. 

Paramount Pictures promoted the film extensively, leveraging the comedic talents and budding celebrity status of Martin and Lewis. The marketing campaign highlighted their unique comedic chemistry, emphasizing the film's blend of humor, musical performances, and wartime themes. Posters and advertisements featured Martin and Lewis in character, showcasing their distinct personalities that audiences had come to love.

The premiere and subsequent theatrical release were met with positive reception from audiences, who enjoyed the film's light-hearted humor and entertaining musical numbers. Despite being produced on a modest budget, "At War with the Army" proved to be a commercial success, grossing over $3 million at the box office. This financial achievement solidified Martin and Lewis as major stars in Hollywood and set the stage for their future collaborations in film.

The release also contributed to the broader cultural landscape of post-World War II America. The film provided audiences with comedic relief during a period of social and economic transition, reflecting both the era's fascination with military themes and its appetite for escapist entertainment. Its success not only cemented Martin and Lewis's status as a beloved comedy duo but also demonstrated the enduring appeal of their partnership on screen.

CAST:

• Dean Martin as Sgt. Vic Puccinelli

• Jerry Lewis as Pvt. First Class Alvin Korwin

• Mike Kellin as Sgt. McVey

• Polly Bergen as Helen Palmer

• Jean Ruth as Millie

• Angela Greene as Mrs. Deborah Caldwell

• Tommy Farrell as Cpl. Clark

• William Mendrek as Capt. Ernest Caldwell 

• Douglas Evans as Col. Davis 

• Kenneth Forbes as Lt. Davenport

• Danny Dayton as Sgt. Miller

• Paul Livermore as Pvt. Jack Edwards

• Frank Hyers as Cpl. Shaughnessy 

• Ty Perry as Lt. Terray

• Jimmie Dundee as Eddie

• DIck Stabile as Pvt. Pokey

• Dewey Robinson as Bartender

• Joe Gray as Soldier

• Stephen Roberts as Doctor

• Al Negbo as Orderly

CREW:

• Director: Hal Walker

• Producer: Fred F. Finklehoffe

• Writers: Fred F. Finklehoffe (screenplay),  James B. Allardice (play)

• Cinematographer: Stuart Thompson

• Editor: Paul Weatherwax

• Music: Joseph J. Lilley

• Art Director: George Jenkins

Production Company: Screen Associates, Inc., York Pictures Corp.
Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Release Date: December 31, 1950
Country of Origin: United States
Running Time: 93 minutes
Budget: $ 420,000
Box Office Return: $ 3.3 million

IMDB Rating =  5.5 / 10

TRIVIA:

• "At War with the Army" was the first film to star Martin and Lewis as a team, solidifying their status as one of the top comedy duos of the 1950s.

• Jerry Lewis's physical comedy and Dean Martin's smooth charm became the hallmark of their films, setting the template for their future collaborations.

• Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box office success, proving the drawing power of Martin and Lewis.

• The film's setting and comedic style reflect the post-World War II era, offering a humorous take on military life during peacetime.

• When Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin signed with Paramount Pictures, they negotiated to make one film per year outside the studio for their own company, York Productions. "At War with the Army" was the first fruit of that negotiation, with the stars exchanging their usual salary for a 90% cut of the profits. Legal disputes ensued over their contract and profit sharing.

• Throughout the film, Jerry Lewis gives a Scout salute rather than a military salute.

• Although Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin had appeared together in films twice before, this marks their first starring vehicle as a comedy duo.

• When Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin perform their special "impersonation" together, they are re-enacting scenes from "Going My Way" (1944) starring Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald.

• The film is based on a play by James B. Allardice that ran for 151 performances from 1948-49, with Mike Kellin and Kenneth Forbes repeating their roles.

• It was filmed from July through August 1949 and initially released on December 31, 1950, by Paramount Pictures. It was later re-released in 1958 by OMAT Pictures.

• "At War with the Army" is the only Martin and Lewis film where Lewis's character has a wife and child.

• It marked the film debut of Mike Kellin and Danny Dayton.

• Polly Bergen received an "introducing" credit in the film.

• The army unit being portrayed in the film is the 1st Armored Division.

At War with the Army remains a classic comedy from 1950, cherished for its hilarious performances, witty dialogue, and enduring charm, continuing to entertain audiences with its timeless humor and comedic antics.