Main Cast: The Andrews Sisters, Dick Foran, Joe E. Lewis, Jennifer Holt, Shemp Howard
Release Year: 1942
Country: US
Run Time: 70 minutes
Plot
This upbeat WW II-era musical features performances by the Andrews Sisters and Harry James as it tells the story of a rebellious young inductee who has trouble toeing the line until he meets a retired officer's lovely daughter. James and his band are also drafted and decide to perk up their camp by putting on a big show. Of the many songs featured, the best known is the Andrews' rendition of "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree With Anyone Else but Me"." ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Review
A typical World War II morale booster, Private Buckaroo simply has everything. Everything, that is, except a plot. And who needs a plot when you get the sisters Andrews harmonizing two of their greatest hits, "Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree" and "Johnny Get Your Gun Again"? Not to mention the comedy antics of Mary Wickes, Shemp Howard and that quintessential nightclub entertainer Joe E. Lewis, the contortions of the energetic congregation The Jivin' Jacks and Jills, Peggy Ryan and the very young Donald O'~Connor and, best of all, Harry James and his band featuring Helen Forrest and a beautiful rendition of "You Made me Love You". With all this going on -- sometimes all at once! -- you barely have time to notice that the screenwriters actually did drag in a piece of nonsense about self-centered Dick Foran being tamed by Jennifer Holt. The daughter of veteran star Jack Holt and sister of Tim, the latter made her screen debut in this musical and manages to stay well out of the fray. ~ Hans J. Wollstein, All Movie Guide
Jack Otterson - Art Director, John Mattison - Choreography, Edward F. Cline - Director, Miton Carruth - Editor, Harry James - Musical Direction/Supervision, Elwood Bredell - Cinematographer, Ken Goldsmith - Producer, Edward James - Screenwriter, Paul Gerard Smith - Screenwriter, Ed Kelso - Screenwriter, Paul Girard Kelso - Screenwriter
The film tells the story of army recruits following basic training, with the Andrew Sisters attending USO dances. The film is a mixture of comedy and songs.
