“…I’m paintin’ the TOWN!” Sgt. McVey (Mike Kellin) lecturing Private Alvin Korwin (Jerry Lewis) on dusting the tops of door jambs. Time out while I indulge in a nostalgic trip down Memory Lane.
In 1960 my family moved from Chicago to Los Angeles, arriving on my brother’s birthday, February 5th. At that time the local television station, channel 9, had a show called “Million Dollar Movie.” It literally ran the same film every night of the week and twice on Sunday. That might be where the “Twice on Sunday” phrase originated? One of the movies that made multiple appearances throughout the year was my favorite Martin & Lewis comedy “At War With the Army.” I waited each week to see what the movie would be and if it was my favorite and not some stupid war film or drama, I would not miss a chance to watch it again and again. So 63 years later I can still quote chapter and verse of this movie. (Although it might help that I own the DVD).
I know you find it difficult to imagine someone as erudite and worldly as Moi mesmerized by a silly Martin & Lewis farce. But there is a much deeper sub-text in the film that deals deftly with some of life’s most difficult questions. For example, you need look no further than Sgt. Vic Puccinelli’s (Dean Martin) touching song that answers the age-old question: “Wouldn’t you rather say I love you than Tonda Wanda hoy Conika la?”
Put me in the yes column (sniff, sniff). Excuse me for a moment. I can’t help but get emotional at a time like this.