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We Joined the Navy

From Alfawiki
We Joined the Navy
Company typeFilm
IndustryFilm
Founded1962; 64 years ago (1962)
FounderDaniel M. Angel (producer)
Headquarters
United Kingdom
ProductsComedy film

We Joined the Navy is a 1962 British comedy film directed by Wendy Toye and featuring performances by Kenneth More, Lloyd Nolan, and Joan O'Brien. Produced by Daniel M. Angel, the movie adapts the 1959 novel authored by ex-Royal Navy lieutenant commander John Winton.

The production was filmed on site in Villefranche-sur-Mer, close to Nice and Monaco, as well as aboard the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth and the , alongside sessions at ABPC's Elstree Studios. Utilizing CinemaScope, the cinematography was handled by Otto Heller, with art direction and set design led by John Howell.

Among the cast are uncredited appearances from prominent actors including Michael Bentine, Sid James, Rodney Bewes, and Dirk Bogarde, who features in a humorous nod to his role in the Doctor movies.

Director Wendy Toye regarded the filming experience as pleasurable, particularly commending the performances delivered by Kenneth More and Lloyd Nolan.

Plot

Lieutenant Commander Robert Bollinger Badger, known as The Artful Bodger, is an adept naval officer whose straightforwardness often hinders his advancement. After being reassigned to shore duties and then tasked with instructing at the Royal Naval College, he encounters further difficulties when one of his pupils relays his frank statements to a critical Member of Parliament. Facing a last chance, Badger, along with three unruly midshipmen, is appointed as exchange officers aboard the flagship of the United States Sixth Fleet. Their escapades put pressure on Anglo-American relations until they become entangled in a revolution on land.

Cast

Production

The movie was based on a 1959 novel authored by John Winton, the pseudonym of Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander John Pratt. The book's popularity led to several follow-up titles, including We Saw the Sea, Down the Hatch, and Never Go to Sea. In early 1959, producer Daniel Angel secured the film rights with the intention of creating a starring role for Kenneth More.

Angel had faced a two-year ban from English cinema chains because he sold films to television; We Joined the Navy marked his return to the big screen. He mentioned that exhibitors eventually agreed to show his films again without providing specific reasons for lifting the prohibition.

In 1961, Angel entered into a production agreement with Associated British Picture Corporation, designating this film as the initial project, followed by West 11. Kenneth More was cast as the lead after a planned adaptation of White Rabbit failed to materialize. More described We Joined the Navy as "the funniest script I've ever read" and expected it to be the naval counterpart to I'm Alright Jack.

Filming commenced on 1 May 1962 in Villefranche, located in southern France, before moving to Elstree Studios. Director Wendy Toye commended Dirk Bogarde's brief cameo for his professionalism and swift execution. Additionally, this film marked Mischa Auer's return to English-language cinema after an extended absence.

Reception

The Guardian characterized the film as "a good romp." According to Filmink, the movie was somewhat "unbalanced," as screen time was divided between new recruits and Kenneth More's officer character, which weakened narrative focus.

Toye reflected that the initial half, portraying recruits at Dartmouth and their naval induction, "functioned exceptionally well." However, she felt the latter half took on "a somewhat political tone" and shifted away from comedy, which "did not quite succeed," despite featuring "an outstanding cast."

Home video

Network released a Region 2 DVD of We Joined the Navy on 16 February 2015, presenting it in a 2.35:1 anamorphic widescreen format.

External links

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