“See Here,
Private Hargrove” is a happy, typical American comedy without any of the
heavy tragedies of warfare that make these somber war dramas so often unpalatable
to our service men. The armed forces, as well as those in every day life will
enjoy "See Here, Private Hargrove" from start to finish. It is one
movie that isn’t too long and it is as frisky and full of fun as a young
colt.
Hargrove is a well meaning youngster who is always in trouble and, therefore, it is K.P. duty five days a week for him. He is a lovable boy, made so especially by Robert Walker, who comes into his own as the unfortunate and sometimes fortunate Private Hargrove.
I am not surprised that M-G-M has plans for this Walker boy. He will make friends with the fans throughout the country, for every mother will feel he might be her own boy and every girl will see in him her sweetheart. The camaraderie among the non-commissioned men in the same company is pleasantly truthful without any false or artificial situations.
Keenan Wynn gives a top comedy characterization as Hargrove’s buddy, Private Mulvihill. Mulvihill is a chiseler who is always trying to make a profit. He is outstanding as the gold-bricking private. The son of Ed Wynn, Keenan is a decided asset to the Metro personnel and can be put down as the best comedy bet on that lot since Red Skelton make his appearance.
Fitting nicely into the story Marion Hargrove has written of his adventures in the Army – or shall I say misadventures – are William Phillips and George Offerman Jr., as Burk and Esty, who figure importantly with Walker and Wynn. They are in the syndicate formed by Mulvihill to finance Hargrove when he goes to see his girl. Mulvihill, the brains and backer of the organization believes he has a sure thing, because Hargrove is writing a book and was once on a newspaper.
Donna Reed is very pretty as Carol Holliday, Hargrove’s girl, and it is understandable why he and all the other boys like her. One of the most amusing scenes is where the boy friend meets her father (Robert Benchley). Pa does all the talking about his own experiences in World War I and then thanks the boy for his amusing stories. Marta Linden has a walk on and off as the mother.
Chill Wills as the
tough top sergeant and Grant Williams as Carol’s uncle and Donald Curtis
as the sympathetic officer are well chosen for their roles. Bob Crosby sings
“In My Arms,” the favorite of the service men. Ray Collins has a
small but effective bit as Hargrove’s managing editor.
Wesley Ruggles’ direction and George Haight’s production activities must be favorably commented on for “Hargrove” is as natural and delightful a movie as you’ll see in a long time. Don’t miss it.
Kay Kayser in “Swing
Fever” with William Gargan and Marilyn Maxwell is also on the program,
as a companion feature.