We're in the Legion Now

We're in the Legion Now is a 1936 comedy film directed by Crane Wilbur and starring Reginald Denny, Esther Ralston, and Vince Barnett. The movie tells the story of two bumbling Americans, Jerry and Jake, who join the Foreign Legion in North Africa hoping for adventure and maybe even some romance.

At the start of the film, Jerry is a struggling artist trying to make it in New York City. He's hopelessly in love with the beautiful and wealthy Betty, but she's engaged to a society man named Dudley. Meanwhile, Jake is a small-time crook who has just been released from prison. Looking for a fresh start, the two men meet by chance and decide to head to Africa to join the Legion.

Once they arrive in Morocco, Jerry and Jake quickly realize that life in the Foreign Legion is not what they expected. They find themselves under the harsh command of Sergeant Doyle, who is none too pleased to have two lousy recruits to deal with. Things take a turn for the worse when Jerry accidentally shoots off his gun, causing chaos among the recruits.

Despite their misadventures, Jerry and Jake manage to catch the attention of two beautiful women in the nearby village. Jerry falls for a street dancer named Zaida, while Jake sets his sights on the mayor's daughter, Yvette. However, their romantic pursuits are complicated by the fact that they are still serving in the Legion, and they soon find themselves embroiled in a dangerous mission to stop a group of Arab rebels from attacking a nearby fort.

Throughout the film, Reginald Denny shines as the bumbling but well-meaning Jerry. His comic timing and affable charm keep the audience rooting for him even as he continues to make a mess of things. Esther Ralston is equally charming as Zaida, the street dancer who captures his heart. Though she has relatively little screen time, Ralston brings a warmth and vitality to her role that keeps her character from feeling like a mere plot device.

Vince Barnett steals the show as Jake, the wise-cracking ex-con who serves as Jerry's sidekick. His one-liners and physical comedy are a consistent source of laughs throughout the film. Meanwhile, veteran character actor Alan Hale delivers a memorable turn as Sergeant Doyle, the gruff but ultimately kind-hearted drill instructor tasked with whipping Jerry and Jake into shape.

Director Crane Wilbur keeps the pace brisk and the action moving, giving the film a lively and engaging feel. The scenes set in the Legion barracks and training grounds are particularly well-staged, showcasing the impressive choreography and physicality of the Legion training regimen.

Overall, We're in the Legion Now is a lighthearted and entertaining film that offers a glimpse into the world of the Foreign Legion, as well as a fun and engaging story of two bumbling Americans trying to find their way in a new and unfamiliar environment. With its charming cast, engaging story, and impressive action sequences, it's a film that's sure to delight audiences of all ages.