At War With The Army with Dean Martin & Jerry Lewis

At War with the Army is a classic 1950’s black-and-white comedy film featuring the powerhouse comic duo of Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis in their third feature, having previously made an appearance together in My Friend Irma and My Friend Irma Goes West. Directed by Hal Walker, who previously worked with the duo in the their earlier movies, the film’s script penned by James B. Allardice is based on the play of the same name he wrote. This comedy romp positions Martin and Lewis as buddies in the U.S. Army during World War II, a setting ripe for their famed comedic misadventures and musical interludes.

Dean Martin plays the role of 1st Sergeant Vic Puccinelli, a suave and smooth-talking ladies' man who is somewhat discontented with his current role within the army. His character wants to see some real action on the front lines rather than spending his time at the army training camp in Missouri. Martin's character is a foil to his comedic partner Lewis’s character Corporal Alvin Korwin, who is hilariously inept, clumsy and perpetually perplexed by military protocol. Lewis, renowned for his slapstick antics, manages to still infuse his character with an endearing charm that pulls at heartstrings.

The film places these two characters in a series of comedic scenarios indicative of their respective positions within the military. Puccinelli's smooth charisma and Korwin's disastrous attempts at discipline quickly become visible as the film shows us the funny side of the military. The plot truly thickens as the friendship between both characters is put to the test with miscommunications and apparent betrayals, even the viewers are left guessing as to how their relationship will pan out.

At War with the Army delivers a rich experience in the form of its mid-twentieth century setting. The film is beautifully shot, with meticulously detailed set designs reflecting the era it portrays. The military training camp, essentially the film’s central location, is filled with period specifics providing the film with a historical value and charm aside from being a comedy. The film also carries an element of nostalgia, not just for the World War II era, but for the early traditions of Hollywood comedy as well.

Martin and Lewis, known for their songs and physical comedy routines, don't disappoint in this film either. Dean Martin's smooth voice enchants the audience in the musical numbers while Lewis brings a blistering energy to his comedic skits. One of the biggest highlights in the film is a vaudeville-style routine in which Lewis impersonates a popular opera diva, giving viewers a taste of the pair's undeniable chemistry.

At War with the Army also boasts a strong supporting cast which includes Polly Bergen, Mike Kellin, Angela Greene, and Tommy Farrell. Their performances only strengthen the main storyline and the multitude of subplots, contributing significantly to the overall fun atmosphere of the film.

This movie is a nostalgic gem that every lover of classic cinema should indulge in. It not only paints an accurate picture of the times it represents, but also showcases the effectiveness of the comedy duo format that reigned supreme in its time. The rapport between Martin and Lewis is remarkable, their contrasting personalities blending together to create a sense of harmony that resonates throughout the film.

In conclusion, At War with the Army is a must-watch film not only for fans of Martin and Lewis, but for anyone who appreciates the art of classic comedy. It is a film that incites laughter while subtly depicting the realities of army life during World War II. It is a testament to the captivating magic that Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis brought to the big screen during their partnership, a beautiful combination of comedy, music, and charisma that continues to entertain and charm audiences more than seventy years after its original release.