This film seems (if you'll pardon the expression) inspired by "McHale's Navy" and "Hallalujah Trail". Hope, way too old for the part, tries to come across as a a McHale/Sgt. Bilko type but doesn't pull it off. He still manages to come across slightly better than former Enterprise Captain Jeffrey Hunter who just mugs his way through scene after scene. One wonders if he hurt his eyes popping them as much as he did.
This was the last film by director Frank Tashlin, who had last directed Hope in "Son of Paleface". It's a sad reunion. There are occasional Tashlin type jokes (like Hope rowing in a submarine) but the story is a mess. Scenes seem to be missing (after setting up Phyllis Diller with the idea Lt. Commander Snavley has a crush on her, she waits for him. The next time we see them they are driving through the jungle in a jeep without explanation) and the narrative (if you're paying attention) is very choppy.
You get the feeling Tashlin was wishing he was back with Jerry Lewis, who he'd directed in 8 films since last directing Hope.
Whether you like Diller's shtick or not, she's one of the only strong performers in the film (you do wish Hope or someone would have explored the way they treat her though. Her character is actually fun and has a good heart yet they treat her like she was nothing). Gina Lollabridgida must have wondered how her career had gotten to this point and the French girl (a really underwritten part) with her I think went back to France to make movies after her experience with "The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell".
This was the last film by director Frank Tashlin, who had last directed Hope in "Son of Paleface". It's a sad reunion. There are occasional Tashlin type jokes (like Hope rowing in a submarine) but the story is a mess. Scenes seem to be missing (after setting up Phyllis Diller with the idea Lt. Commander Snavley has a crush on her, she waits for him. The next time we see them they are driving through the jungle in a jeep without explanation) and the narrative (if you're paying attention) is very choppy.
You get the feeling Tashlin was wishing he was back with Jerry Lewis, who he'd directed in 8 films since last directing Hope.
Whether you like Diller's shtick or not, she's one of the only strong performers in the film (you do wish Hope or someone would have explored the way they treat her though. Her character is actually fun and has a good heart yet they treat her like she was nothing). Gina Lollabridgida must have wondered how her career had gotten to this point and the French girl (a really underwritten part) with her I think went back to France to make movies after her experience with "The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell".