The title of this film was probably designed to draw in teens who might want to see another romance starring Natalie Wood and Tab Hunter. The film has two taglines. One of them is "A couple of teenagers and their kiss-and-run battle!" However, the other tagline is more appropriate: "It's the Big Happy Look at the New-Look Peace-Time Army!" In truth, this is another of those "recruiting ad" films that were made with the blessings of the U.S. military.The story does start with the relationship between Andy Shaeffer (Hunter) and Susan Daniels (Wood)--a strikingly good-looking college couple. He sponges off his mother and she holds down a job while attending school. He picks her up at her answering service job, then they go to the local burger drive-in and "inspiration point", where she berates him for his lack of ambition.All the while, a voice-over narrates the action. You can tell it's meant to be a comedy by his tone. In fact, the narrator is Daws Butler, the voice of Huckleberry Hound and countless other cartoon characters.Before you know it, Andy is drafted (in peacetime) because of the various flaws in his nature, and the army makes a responsible citizen of him.There are many notable actors in this film, some who are rather new to the big screen. Although Natalie was a veteran, Tab was a relative newcomer, but ready for the studio's star treatment. The two of them had just filmed "The Burning Hills" and demonstrated some chemistry, but they probably would have been paired in this film regardless.James Garner--a newcomer--plays one of Andy's fellow soldiers. So does veteran actor Henry Jones, who had just filmed his amazing performance in "The Bad Seed", which had probably not yet made its impact. Newcomer Alan King also shares the same barracks. Veterans David Jansen and Jim Backus play superior officers. Backus had just starred with Natalie in "Rebel Without a Cause" the previous year. Andy's stint in the army is troubled, but the army in this film is kinder and gentler, and this is a comedy, right? So one scene is adequate to tame Andy's inner demons and he transforms (by the good graces of Army training) into a believer.If you can tolerate the message of this film, it is worth watching just to see the two stars and the others who will have very successful careers of their own.

I watched the first 45 minutes or so of this movie. Watching classic movies is fun because you get to see many actors who you are familiar with from later works in their lives. There are many fine supporting actors in this movie. The obvious problem rests with the lead Tab Hunter who cannot act.I thought the scene where Hunter's character undergoes his physical for the military was funny and gay themed. I am sure the gay crowd loved this scene watching bare chested Tab parade around in his underwear in line with other young men in similar attire. Then comes the best line when Tab sits shirtless behind a desk and the military interviewer asks him if he likes women. Considering that Tab is gay in real life and was pretending to be straight in 1956 this is funny.Tab was a good looking young man who had gay friends in powerful positions and that is probably how he got the lead in this movie. The poor guy could not act worth a whit at least not in 1956!

This movie can't seem to decide if it is a comedy or drama. Tab Hunter's role though well acted is strange. It seems Hunter can join the Army & tell the Army what he wants. At least the script is consistent here as his mother comes to visit him & does the same thing.Natalie Wood is 18 years old when she does this movie & looks great even in the frumpy dresses she gets to wear in some sequences. You can not hide a hot 18 year old babe unless you keep her off camera. The rest of the script is a veritable who's who of character actors.James Garner has a small role in his 3rd career film. David Jansen has a small before Fugitive role as an officer. Norman Fell (Stanley Roper) though I can't find him credited is in quite a few sequences. Raymond Bailey (Milburn Drysdale on Beverly Hillbillies) is here as well as Jim Bakus (Thurston Howell on Gilligan's Island) is here too. The interesting thing here more than the plot is seeing all this talent on screen trying to bring off a weak script.At times, the script tries to be funny & at times like when kids almost get blasted when they wander on to the artillery range, the film gets a little dramatic. I think if the film had headed more for comedy, especially with this support cast, it would have been better.

In 1956 when America was just back from the Korean War, this movie was made. It tells the story of Andy Sheaffer, (Tab Hunter) a rich, spoiled and pampered young man who is ready to accept a high society position among the elite, rich and privileged. Unfortunately his more mature girlfriend Susan Daniels (Natalie Wood) wants more out of her intended. She prefers her man to be an adult, self-sufficient and away from his over protective mother. To this end, he discovers he has been drafted and reluctantly inducted into the U.S. Army. Even though he can easily succeed in the military, Sheaffer prefers otherwise. Within the ranks are several men who try their best to convince him of his natural abilities. Relative Hollywood newcomers are among the names of those who try. Murray Hamilton (excellent part for him) plays his platoon Sargent, Jim Backus, Henry Jones, Alan King, James Garner and even David Janssen attempt to help him with the transformation. The movie is a little heavy on social responsibility, but just shy of military propaganda. Indeed, it was originally intended to help young men decide about life in the military. A good film which allowed Murray, Garner and Jansen to lay the foundations of their respective careers. ****