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5.4/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.4/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Come On, Marines! remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Alright, so you’ve just stumbled onto Come On, Marines! from way back in 1934. Is it worth your time today? Hmm, that depends. If you're a classic film enthusiast, especially one with a soft spot for pre-Code quirks and a good laugh at some dated ideas, then maybe, yeah. You might actually dig it. But for pretty much anyone else, like if you're looking for modern action or anything particularly deep, you’ll probably be scrolling through your phone in about ten minutes. 😴
The whole premise is kinda wild. Sergeant "Lucky" Davis, played by Richard Arlen, is this dashing Marine. He's sent with his crew deep into the Philippine jungle. Their mission? Rescue some kids from a mission. Sounds straightforward, right?
Well, nope! The big reveal is that these "children" are actually a whole gaggle of young women, all grown up. They're just lounging around, bathing, looking pretty unbothered. Davis’s reaction when he realizes this is pretty much the film's whole vibe in a nutshell: a mix of surprise and a definite twinkle in his eye. It’s played for pure romantic comedy gold, 1930s style. ✨
Arlen’s "Lucky" Davis is exactly what you'd expect from a hero named Lucky back then. He's got this sort of perpetual, charming smirk. It’s like he knows he's the leading man and he’s just going with it, even when things get a little silly. You can almost feel him thinking, "Oh, *these* kids."
Among those "children," keep an eye out for a very, very young Ida Lupino. She's one of the girls. It’s pretty neat to see her in such an early role, before she became a powerhouse. She doesn’t get a ton of screen time, but you can see a little bit of her future charisma already peeking through. Just a little. 👀
The pacing of the film is definitely from its era. Things move, but not at a breakneck speed. There's a bandit rebellion supposedly happening in the background. But it feels more like a reason for the Marines to be there than an actual, you know, *threat*. The action sequences are pretty tame, almost quaint.
Honestly, the whole "guerrilla war" part never really feels urgent. It’s mostly just an excuse for Davis to flex his hero muscles and charm the ladies. You don't ever really believe anyone's in serious danger. It's more about the banter and the unexpected romance.
There's a scene where the girls are just, well, bathing. In a pool. Blissfully. And then the Marines show up. It’s such a quintessential pre-Code moment. It’s kinda audacious, but also super innocent by today's standards. This movie definitely leans into its era's sensibilities.
It's interesting to look at the sheer number of writers credited on this. Philip Wylie, Seton I. Miller, and even Herman J. Mankiewicz are on the list! For a B-movie adventure, that’s quite a crowd. Makes you wonder what sort of journey this script took. ✍️
The jungle setting itself is pretty standard. Nothing too elaborate. Mostly just a backdrop for the characters to bicker and flirt against. You get a sense of the Philippines, but it’s more of a stage than a character in itself.
This isn't a film that demands your full attention. It’s more of a Sunday afternoon curiosity. Something to put on if you're doing other things but want a taste of old Hollywood. It doesn't aim for anything profound. It's just a lighthearted romp.
So, should you watch it? If you're into the weird corners of film history, absolutely. It’s a snapshot of a different time, with a very specific, slightly cheesy charm. But if you’re looking for a gripping adventure or a deep character study, best to keep searching. This one's mostly just a good chuckle. 😊
IMDb 5
1932
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