The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell

Rating:
Summary: Rockin!
Review: If the critics don't like it, it gotta' be good! This movie is one that is original and entertaining. Not completely unrealistic, but it does give you food for thought!

Rating:
Summary: A surprisingly sub-par military comedy from Bob Hope
Review: It is rather ironic that Bob Hope (who turned 100 today) provided so much entertainment for American troops in the field from World War II to Vietnam and beyond yet could only come up with this less than stellar military comedy. Bob plays the titular Sgt. O'Farrell, the power behind the throne on a U.S. base during World War II. When the base turns dry, the result of a Japanese torpedo and unsympathetic officeers, the sarge comes up with a plan, involving his own private navy, to get beer to the troops. O'Farrell is helped by Calvin Coolidge Ishimura (Mako), a Japanese deserter hiding out on the island. Once the boys are liquored up, the next goal becomes female companionship. The good news is that this brings Gina Lollobrigida to the island; the bad news is that it also brings Phyllis Diller, who plays Nellie Krause. She takes a liking to O'Farrell, which makes it difficult for him to go after Gina (or "Maria" as she is called--but no name on earth is as good as Gina Lollobrigida). Hope and Diller worked fine in their first film together, "Eight on the Lam," but not this time around as she relentlessly pursues O'Farrell. There is some good slapstick shtick and good lines here and there, but overall it is rather uneven. Is this the best Bob Hope comedy film ever? No, that remains "Paleface," even above the Road pictures. But it is not as bad as "The Iron Petticoat" with Katharine Hepburn. Be glad I do not let anybody see my copy of that film. "The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell" is worth one look, but I would not consider it worth repeat viewings.

Rating:
Summary: Leonard... Get Real!!
Review: Of all the Bob Hope Movies during the sixties, this was one of the best (even though I loved them all). It had the slapstick with Hope and Diller playing off each other, the friendly Japanese soldier (Kinda like McHale's Navy TV Series), and just a light hearted plot that wasn't offensive to anyone. Leonard, you must have been sleeping thru this one, because you usually like the easy going movies like I do)... I just wish they would release the others, such as Boy Did I get A Wrong Number and Critic's Choice on DVD... Enjoy the fun everyone!!

Rating:
Summary: Bob's a Blast!
Review: This is one of my absolute favorite Bob Hope movies. The supporting cast is wonderful, and the plot is light-hearted and entertaining. I could watch this one over and over again--and have.

Rating:
Summary: Bob's a Blast!
Review: This is one of my absolute favorite Bob Hope movies. The supporting cast is wonderful, and the plot is light-hearted and entertaining. I could watch this one over and over again--and have.

Rating:
Summary: Hope fan
Review: This movie is so cornball that I just love it. Bob and Phyllis together are great, and so is Jeffrey Hunter. Light hearted goofy fun! Wish it were cleaned up and put in widescreen though cause the ocean island setting is very scenic.

Rating:
Summary: It;s really not that bad
Review: Why this film was a commercial failure and is critically loathed is beyond me. No, this is not one of Bob's best, not by any means. But Hope himself is in fine form, and while the film is uneven, there are enough good one liners and sight gags to satisfy his fans. Hope is ably supported by an ace supporting cast, including Phyllis Diller, Dick Sargent, and Jeffrey Hunter. Just sit back, relax, and laugh.