Watch The Wackiest Ship in the Army
- Approved
- 1960
- 1 hr 39 min
-
6.3 (2,445)
The Wackiest Ship in the Army is a 1960 comedy film directed by Richard Murphy and starring Jack Lemmon, Ricky Nelson, and John Lund. The movie follows the adventures of Lieutenant Rip Crandall, played by Lemmon, as he and his crew of misfits attempt to deliver a PT boat to the Philippine army during World War II. The film opens with Crandall and his crew stranded on an island after their previous boat was destroyed in a Japanese attack. They are given the task of delivering a new PT boat, the USS Echo, to the Philippine army. However, the crew quickly discovers that the Echo is unlike any other boat they have ever seen - it is slow, outdated, and barely seaworthy.
As they make their way through enemy waters, the crew of the Echo must contend with a variety of obstacles, from sabotaged engines to a crew member who is a Japanese spy. Along the way, they also pick up a group of stranded nuns and a beautiful French journalist, adding to the chaos on board.
Lemmon delivers a memorable performance as the bumbling but well-intentioned Crandall, whose love of bolo ties and penchant for tinkering with machinery often leads him and his crew into trouble. Nelson, in his first major film role, plays Ensign Tommy J. Hanson, a young and idealistic officer who clashes with Crandall but ultimately learns to respect him. Lund plays Lieutenant Commander Wilbur F. Vandewater, the straight-laced naval officer who assigns the crew their mission.
As the crew navigates through dangerous enemy waters, they find themselves pursued by Japanese submarines and planes, and must use their wits and resourcefulness to stay alive. The film combines elements of slapstick comedy with genuine suspense, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats as the crew battles both the enemy and their own incompetence.
The Wackiest Ship in the Army received mixed reviews upon its initial release, with some critics praising its humor and others finding it too silly and far-fetched. However, it has since become a cult classic and is remembered as a lighthearted and entertaining adventure film that showcases the talents of its talented cast.
Overall, The Wackiest Ship in the Army is a fun and engaging comedy film that is well worth watching. Its silly humor, memorable characters, and thrilling action sequences make it a great choice for anyone looking for a light-hearted, escapist adventure.
The Wackiest Ship in the Army is a 1960 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.