The Fleet's In (1942)

Load of rubbish!!

In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.

I cannot think of one single thing that I would change about this film. The acting is incomparable, the directing deft, and the writing poignantly brilliant.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

This movie is a pure joy to watch. Filmed during the onset of the American involvement during World War II, an American sailor named "Casey Kirby" (William Holden) is accidentally mistaken for a ladies' man and bets are taken aboard his ship as to whether he can get a certain woman named "The Countess" (Dorothy Lamour) to kiss him in public. The problem is that the Countess is famous throughout the fleet for her ability to resist the charms of men and Casey doesn't really know much about dating. Anyway, what makes this film so special is the innocence of Casey pitted against the suspicious nature of the Countess. Likewise, the music of Jimmy Dorsey and his band was tailor-made for this film. That said, I especially enjoyed the singing of Bob Eberly and the beautiful Helen O'Connell. Additionally, Betty Hutton (as "Bessie Dale") and Eddie Bracken (as "Barney Waters") were very amusing as well. The only things I didn't like about this film were the skits involving "Lorraine & Rognan" and "Cissy" (Cass Dailey). But even so, the good parts of this movie certainly outweighed the bad. In short, if a person is looking for a good, clean comedy then this film is definitely worth viewing.

I can never understand why this Musical isn't as highly rated as others. It really is a musical comedy due to the characters. Excellent character actors/actresses and it has great songs....just about every one of the songs is memorable. William Holden is so good, you really think he is Casey Kirby. Dorothy Lamour is funny and has some good songs to sing. Betty Hutton and Eddie Bracken are as funny as ever. If you've seen the Miracle of Morgan's Creek and enjoyed it, you will love this movie too. See the song list for this movie...great songs like "I Remember You" and "Tangerine" Songs written by Johnny Mercer and with the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. Maybe because there is more of a story it is not highly regarded. I love the story...Why do the critics call this a slight inconsequential musical!!!!! Says who?!!!!! I hope you are able to find it somewhere; it really is worth watching.

Typical 40s musical nonsense without a real plot, but this one is fun and boasts an interesting cast.Gorgeous Dorothy Lamour stars as The Countess of Swingland, a singer at a local dance spot (and she's excellent). She rooms with Bessie (Betty Hutton in her feature film debut), who provides comic relief. Along come a coupla sailors: shy William Holden and geeky Eddie Bracken. Through a series of errors the guys on the ship think Holden is a major Romeo so they bet a bundle that he can't thaw out The Countess--a famous iceberg.Lots of songs and variety numbers enliven this silliness plus the stars are all good. This is the film that introduced "Tangerine" here sung by Helen O'Connell and Bob Eberly (in Jimmy Dorsey's big band). Lamour and company also sing the very nice "I Remember You," which was remade into a semi-hit by Frank Ifield (I had the record). Hutton sings the comic "Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing in a Hurry." Cass Daley (I had never seen her before) is sort of a cross between Martha Raye and Judy Canova but can sure sing. Lots of familiar faces here with Dave Willock, Leif Erickson, Robert Warwick, Jack Norton, Barbara Britton, Betty Jane Rhodes, and the odious Gil Lamb (a B version of Ray Bolger). And then there's a dance specialty called Lorraine and Rognan--very funny.Certainly worth a look for Lamour, Hutton, and Holden.

The Fleet's In is a wonderful musical comedy that viewers will find irresitable. The star studded cast keeps you laughing throughout the entire movie and with Jimmy Dorsey's orchestra backing the singers how can anyone help but singing along to the catchy songs? Over all I'd say that the Fleet's In will endear it's self to anyone who watches it.