Watch Ship Ahoy

"Ship Ahoy" is a 1942 musical-comedy film directed by Edward Buzzell, starring the iconic Eleanor Powell, Red Skelton, and Bert Lahr. The film exhibits delightful and energizing performances from these three stars, with Eleanor Powell as a talented dancer, and the comedic duo of Red Skelton and Bert Lahr providing comic relief, merging to make this film a classic addition to the musical-comedy genre.

The film is set on a ship named S.S. Periwinkle, which sets sail for a radio broadcast to be transmitted to Europe, under the guise of a church chorus. When Powell's character, Constance Palmer, learns that a group of Nazi spies plans to steal a top-secret missile guidance system on board the ship, she decides to go undercover as a member of the chorus in order to uncover the spy ring and save her country from impending doom.

Powell's performance is both impressive and dazzling. Her flawless tap-dancing captures the attention of the audience, as she performs numbers such as "I'll Take Tallulah" and "We've Been Hit". Powell's performance in "I'll Take Tallulah" is particularly memorable, as she dances on a giant typewriter. Her tapping on the keys gives an aura of authenticity, and in the song "We've Been Hit", Powell’s dancing highlights her agility and skill as a performer.

The comedic duo of Red Skelton and Bert Lahr play the roles of cabin steward 'Bert Harris' and a private named 'Merton Kibble'. Lahr's gullibility and Skelton's comedic timing create a perfect balance of humor, leaving the audience in stitches. In a noteworthy scene, Skelton tries to take down a Japanese spy in the middle of the ocean, with Lahr unwittingly providing him with one unhelpful suggestion after another. This scene highlights the talent of both actors, and provides a break from the more serious plot elements of the story.

The plot moves at a moderate pace, with a good balance of comedic and serious moments. The audience is kept on their toes throughout the film, thanks to unpredictable plot twists and the unlikely pairing of the main characters. The film is also accompanied by a catchy soundtrack that adds to the overall upbeat tone. Standout musical numbers include "I Am the Captain", where Skelton perfects his comic timing, and "Get Out Those Old Records", which showcases the diverse talents of the cast and leaves the audience thoroughly entertained.

Apart from the exceptional performances of the lead cast, the technical aspects of the film are also noteworthy. The synchronized swimming scene is flawlessly executed, with Powell and the synchronized swimming team performing in perfect harmony, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The set design is also commendable, and provides an impressive backdrop for the film's musical numbers. Several scenes give glimpses of the ship's on-board facilities, including the captain's office, the radio room, and the crew sleeping quarters.

To conclude, "Ship Ahoy" is a classic musical-comedy movie that showcases the incredible talents of its star-studded cast. The film's seamless blend of comedy and suspenseful moments makes it a delightful and entertaining classic that has stood the test of time. Powell's dancing and Skelton and Lehr's comedy create a unique combination, and the film's soundtrack is a delight to listen to. Fans of classic musical comedies will surely appreciate this gem from the 1940s, and newcomers will be in for an enjoyable and action-packed cinematic experience.

Ship Ahoy is a 1942 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 35 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.