At War with the Army

At War with the Army is a 1950 musical comedy film directed by Hal Walker and starring the comedy team of Martin and Lewis. It was filmed from July through August 1949, and released on December 30, 1950 by Paramount. It was re-released in 1958 by OMAT Pictures.

Although filmed before My Friend Irma Goes West, it was held from release until the sequel to Martin and Lewis' smash film debut My Friend Irma was released.

Plot

Martin and Lewis are former nightclub partners who are now enlisted in the United States Army. Sergeant Puccinelli (Dean Martin) now ranks above his former partner, Private First Class Korwin (Jerry Lewis). Puccinelli is desperately trying to get transferred from his dull job to active duty overseas. Meanwhile, Korwin desperately wants a pass to see his wife and new baby. In addition, they both have to practice for the Army's talent show and avoid the wrath of Sergeant McVey (Mike Kellin).

Along the way they both sing a few songs, and they do an impression of Bing Crosby and Barry Fitzgerald by recreating a scene from Going My Way for the talent show.

Cast

Dean Martin

Jerry Lewis

Mike Kellin

Jimmie Dundee

Dick Stabile

Tommy Farrell

Frank Hyers

Danny Dayton

William Mendrek

Kenneth Forbes

Paul Livermore

Ty Perry

Jean Ruth

Angela Greene

Polly Bergen

Production

When Martin and Lewis signed their film contract with Paramount Pictures, they were allowed to make one film 'outside' per year through their own company, York Productions. This film was made under that provision, with Martin and Lewis taking a small salary in exchange for 90 percent of the film's profits. However, upon its release a variety of events had taken place and Martin and Lewis were involved in a long-drawn out legal battle. After several years, Martin and Lewis relinquished all financial interest in this film in exchange for not having to making any more of these 'outside' films. As a result, no one renewed the copyright on this film in 1977, so that it is now in the public domain.

The film is based on a play by James B. Allardice that ran for 151 performances from 1948-49 with Mike Kellin repeating his role.

Copyright status

This film's copyright was registered to York Pictures Corp. and Screen Associates, Inc. on January 23, 1951 (LP 679), and was renewed on December 7, 1979 (RE43009). However, the film has since lapsed into the public domain.

DVD release date

As this film is in the public domain, there have been at least a dozen DVD releases from a variety of companies over the years. Paramount has yet to release an official DVD in the United States, but has released one in Finland (through Finnkino).

See also

List of films in the public domain

References

Notes

External links

At War with the Army At War with the Army Category:1950s musical films Category:Military humor in film Category:American comedy films Category:Korean War films