Dick Powell plays a popular crooner who disappears and joins the Navy, where he meets bumbling sailors Abbott & Costello. They help him avoid being caught by a tricky reporter (Claire Dodd) trying to get a scoop. We saw Abbott & Costello try their hand at the Army in Buck Privates and now we see how they fare with the Navy. A few of the duo's funny routines this time are the shell game, the lemon bit, and "7 x 13 = 28." Lou's especially lovable in this one ("Anything but a barber!"). Dick Powell does fine with an unchallenging role. Claire Dodd and Dick Foran offer fun support. Some of my favorite parts of the movie involve the Andrews Sisters, who not only perform songs as they did in Buck Privates but get to do some acting, too. Patty Andrews is the object of Lou's affection in this one and the two have some cute scenes together. The funny climax featuring Lou impersonating the ship's captain was changed to a dream sequence because the Navy objected, thinking it made them look bad that a moron could take control of a battleship. It's a lighthearted, fun movie with plenty of laughs and enjoyable songs ("Gimme Some Skin, My Friend" is a highlight). Not A&C's best but lots of fun.

Somewhere, hidden within what seems like a ton of singing and dancing numbers and the requisite romantic subplot, there's actually a very fine Abbott and Costello comedy to be found. Not that I have anything personal against the Andrews Sisters--but the time devoted to their singing numbers is time I would rather see Bud & Lou work their magic. But--when given the opportunity--Bud & Lou do a stellar job with such classic routines as the Lemon Bit & 7x13=28. And fans of the Three Stooges may get a kick out of seeing Shemp Howard in this film--although he rarely gets an opportunity to flex his comedic muscles--reportedly Shemp did a lot of funny stuff in his A & C appearances that got left on the cutting room floor. Still, I enjoyed when during the Lemon Bit, Shemp ask Bud if he's mad then advises him to suck on a lemon.Another highlight--and maybe the funniest scene in the entire film-- is Lou's dream sequence where he masquerades as the Captain of the ship.Overall, if you can bare all the singing and dancing, then "In the Navy" rates as a fine Bud & Lou comedy that could have been great if a lot of the fat was trimmed--but then again, I could say the same for a lot of Bud & Lou's early features.

Plot is not really a crucial element of this type of picture ,and it comes as no suprise to learn it is pretty skimpy.A radio crooner (Dick Powell )is tired of the pressure of fame and enlist incognito in the US navy .A zealous reporter (Claire Dodd )sets out to expose the truth ,even resorting to stowing away on board ship to break the story. It is really the excuse for a variety of set pieces -musical from the Andrews Sisters and comedic ,from Abbot and Costello ,following up their earlier forces comedy "Buck Privates"(acknowledged in a brief gag over the opening credits) These are varied in the amusement value--I loved the scene where Bud demonstrates that 13 multiplied by 7 equals 28 ,and the "bunco game "scene with lemons is a minor classic but much of it is unsubtle clowning.As a memento of the more innocent age of cinema it is endearing and will still generate a few laughs along the way.

The duo's second service comedy of 1941 is also one of their best films. The humor abounds, especially in the sequence where Costello tries to impress the Andrews Sisters by captaining the ship. The comic highlights of the film are the "Lemon Bit" (watch as the boys try to keep a straight face) and Costello's efforts to get into a hammock.The romantic subplot isn't bad, either, as the always excellent Dick Powell croons his way into Claire Dodd's heart. One may find themself wrapped up in this plotline, unlike most romantic subplots in A&C's films.Funny material, the Andrews Sisters, a decent plot and an appearance by the one and only Shemp Howard make "In The Navy" an A&C treat. 8 out of 10.