Something for the Boys

The oddly-assorted Hart cousins: revue singer Blossom, con man Harry, and machinist Chiquita (who gets radio through her teeth!), inherit southern plantation Magnolia Manor, which alas proves to be a "termite trap" and tax liability. Fortunately, Sgt. Rocky Fulton from a nearby army camp appears with a plan to convert the place to a hotel for army wives; but to pay bills until then, they decide to put on a show. Of course, romantic and military complications intervene...

When a group of distantly related cousins inherit a plantation from their uncle, they think that they are set fair for a life of luxury... Thing is, when "Blossom" (Vivian Blaine), "Chiquita" (Carmen Miranda) and "Harry" (Phil Silvers) arrive, they discover they have acquired a ramshackle "tax liability" that is little use for anything... Luckily some nearby squaddies led by the innovative "Sgt. Rocky" (Michael O'Shea) have a plan to buy the place and turn it into an hotel for their wives and sweethearts visiting their nearby base. What now ensues is a pretty formulaic romantic comedy with "Rocky" falling for "Blossom"; conman "Harry" trying his hand at the hotel racket and "Chiquita", in an ever increasing range of bright lipsticks and flamboyant outfits, belting out racy numbers left, right and centre - aided by some rather sterile set-piece dance routines. I was never a fan of Silvers' style of quickly paced but pretty puerile humour, and we have it in spades here. That said, the dialogue is quick-fire and there are plenty of things going on as we build to the big show at the end that just about keep it entertaining enough. Fans of Miranda have plenty to get their teeth into (including loads of fruit) but otherwise it's all just a bit too staged and tame.