Watch Shipmates Forever

Shipmates Forever is a romantic musical comedy directed by Frank Borzage and released in 1935. The movie stars Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler, Lewis Stone, and Ross Alexander. The film follows the story of two Navy friends, Bill and Jim, who fall in love with the same girl, Susan. It is a classic love triangle story but with a twist of music, dancing, and sailor songs.

The movie is set in the United States Naval Academy in the 1920s. Dick Powell plays Bill Southworth, a musically inclined cadet who is already a famous tenor before joining the academy. He is a happy-go-lucky guy loved by everyone in the academy except for Lewis Stone's character, Commander John W. Cassin. Commander Cassin is a strict disciplinarian who does not appreciate Bill's casual approach to his training. He thinks that Bill is more interested in singing than being a dedicated cadet.

Ruby Keeler plays Susan Parker, a beautiful and vivacious girl who is Bill's childhood friend. She comes to visit Bill at the academy and falls in love with Jim, another cadet who is Bill's best friend. Jim is played by Ross Alexander, who is also a gifted singer. When Bill realizes that Susan and Jim have become an item, he is heartbroken. However, he chooses to hide his feelings and supports their relationship.

The drama unfolds when Jim is expelled from the academy for breaking the school's honor code. He and Susan are devastated, but Bill comes up with a plan to help them. He persuades Commander Cassin to allow him to organize a musical show in honor of the visiting President of the United States. Bill's plan is to showcase Jim's talents to the President, hoping to convince him to pardon Jim.

The musical show is a massive success. Jim sings his heart out, backed by Bill's brilliant arrangements. The President is impressed and decides to pardon Jim. However, the success of the show leads Susan to realize that she has always been in love with Bill, not Jim. Bill is overjoyed, and they embrace each other.

The movie ends with Bill graduating from the academy and leaving for his first assignment. Susan promises to wait for him and waves goodbye. Jim congratulates Bill, and they shake hands. The love triangle has been resolved, and the friends remain shipmates forever.

Shipmates Forever is a delightful movie with catchy music, excellent choreography, and a captivating storyline. The performances of the lead actors are outstanding, especially Dick Powell, who steals the show with his singing and acting. Ruby Keeler and Ross Alexander also give a superb performance, adding depth to their characters. Lewis Stone's portrayal of Commander Cassin is convincing and brings out the tension between him and Bill.

Apart from the musical numbers, the movie also has a patriotic theme, emphasizing the importance of discipline, duty, and loyalty. The film was released during the Great Depression, and this message would have resonated with the audience. The setting of the film, the US Naval Academy, adds to the patriotic theme, showcasing the institution responsible for training future Naval officers.

Shipmates Forever is a timeless classic that continues to entertain audiences even after 85 years since its release. The movie is a tribute to the sailors who have served and continue to serve their country. It is a story of friendship, love, and sacrifice that will inspire generations to come.