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6/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Salt Water Daffy remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Honestly, only if you have a soft spot for pre-war slapstick or you’re a total completist for the cast. If you aren't already into the specific, frantic energy of guys like Shemp Howard and Jack Haley, you’ll probably find this thing grating. It moves fast, but that’s mostly because there isn’t much of a plot to slow it down. ⚓
The whole thing feels like a collection of gags held together by spit and bad luck. You’ve got these two losers who can’t even pull off a simple theft without tripping over their own feet. Before they know it, they’re in the Navy. It’s the kind of logic only 1930s short films could get away with.
Watching Shemp Howard here is… interesting. He’s got that signature nervous twitchy thing going on, which honestly works well when he’s being berated by a petty officer who looks like he’s about to have an aneurysm. The pacing is frantic, maybe too frantic at points. There’s a scene where they’re messing with the deck equipment that goes on just a little too long, to the point where the comedy starts to feel like a chore.
It’s nowhere near the chaotic genius of something like The Four Musicians of Bremen, but it has its moments. The physical comedy is mostly just people bumping into things or falling over. It’s simple, sure, but sometimes that’s all you need on a Tuesday night.
The movie doesn't try to be anything other than a quick laugh. It doesn't earn its ending, but then again, did I really expect it to? It just sort of stops. 🌊
If you're looking for something with a bit more weight, maybe look at Words and Music instead. But for a quick, brain-off watch? It’s fine. It’s just fine.