We Salute You

I would like to salute our men, women and animals that serve in our armed services. Thank you for your time and dedication. My father, father in law, brother and nephew all are military men. You make me very proud.

Who doesn't love a good 1940's comedy musical? Oh, you don't? Well, you will with Abbott and Costello's 1941 Buck Privates. It should be mentioned that this is a military movie but not a war movie. WWII had not broken out at the time and we were still at peace, but doesn't stop Abbott and Costello from joining the military and releasing their brand of comedy on fellow soldiers. The Andrew Sisters are singing their way through the movie with such hits as Boogie Woogie Bugle boy of Company B. I also love that the women are helping the soldiers by kissing them good-bye, giving them cigarettes and candy. I know it's not very modern woman of me, but it was so cute.

Oh Van Johnson, with your boy next door looks, your winning smile and wonderful voice, you make girls swoon. In Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo, Johnson plays a crew member of the Ruptured Duck and some say, this is his finest role. The film is based on a true story of the air raids over Tokyo and includes such wonderful actors as Robert Mitchum and Spencer Tracy. The movie is very gung-ho American but it also shows the softer side of GI's and their loved ones.

Okay, back to musicals, cause I love them and the 1940's did them so well. Four Jills in a Jeep tells us of  the true exploits of female entertainers who volunteer to go overseas to raise troop morale. Yes, the movie is very "B" and the comedy is corny but with a cast like Martha Raye, Carol Landis (who wrote the original book-you should definitely check it out) and Jimmy Dorsey, you can't go wrong.

Thanks again to our service men, women and animals who serve in our military. Your bravery and strength in times that seem to be lacking both, are well honored. I hope today you at least get to kick back and enjoy a movie or two with your BBQ, you deserve it.