Skirts Ahoy(1952). Romantic/ musical. Director: Sidney Lanfield. Cast: Esther Williams, Joan Evans, Vivian Blaine, Debbie Reynolds and The DeMarco Sisters.
Mary Kate, is left at the altar by her fiancee, just as heiress Whitney Young runs away from her wedding as she walks down the aisle. When a military parade passes through town, Una sees Archie marching with the sailors and decides that the only way she can be with him is to join the Navy. Soon, all three women report at the Great Lakes Naval Training Station and become roommates. By the end of their six weeks of training, Whit, becomes Company Three's recruit commander, but Mary Kate cannot seem to get over her homesickness. Whit and Una set up a meeting for Mary Kate before the board, but just before she is to meet with them, Dick comes looking for her. Dave apologizes for his behavior, Mary Kate realizes that he underestimates her and decides it is best for her to stay in the Navy. Soon the women are allowed a night in Chicago. The three women run into each other at a lady's tearoom. Wanting more excitement, Una and Whit leave Mary Kate there and go bar hopping. There Una and Whit meet Lt. Comdr. Paul Elcott, the new base physician. After Whit secretly asks Una to leave, Paul accepts her invitation to dinner.
During their dinner date, young WACS sitting at the next table send a note over, suggesting that Paul join them. Not having any of it, Whit goes over and a starts a fight. The next day, Whit has to go in front of the board and has difficulty explaining her side of the story . Paul arrives in time and testifies that the WACS started the fight. After being exonerated, Whit is surprised when Paul tells her that officers and enlisted personnel cannot fraternize. The women attend a USO show and the see that Dick is one of the Navy performers. Will these three friends get their man?
For me, the movie is a step back in time to the early Fifties, when America was still focused on the war and the changing relationship between the sexes.
Soundtracks:
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"Glad To Have You Aboard"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Performed by the Vivian Blaine with The DeMarco Sisters and chorus of WAVE trainees
"Hilda Matilda"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Out-take: Performed by unknown vocalist
"Hold Me Close To You"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Performed by Billy Eckstine
"I Get A Funny Feeling"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Performed by Keefe Brasselle
"The Navy Waltz"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Performed by chorus, with The DeMarco Sisters
Waltzed to by Esther Williams and Emmett Lynn
"Oh, By Jingo"
Written by Lew Brown and Albert von Tilzer
Performed by Debbie Reynolds and Bobby Van
"Row, Row, Row Your Boat"
TRADITIONAL
Performed by Esther Williams and children in swimming pool
"Skirts Ahoy!"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Performed by female chorus over opening titles
Played instrumentally behind the black drill team
"We Will Fight"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Out-take: Performed by Joan Evans (dubbed by Joan Elms), Esther Williams and Vivian Blaine
"What Good Is A Gal? (Without A Guy?)"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Performed by Joan Evans (dubbed by Joan Elms), Esther Williams and Vivian Blaine
Reprised by The DeMarco Sisters
"What Makes A Wave?"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Performed by The DeMarco Sisters and Esther Williams
"Anchors Aweigh"
(uncredited)
Music by Charles A. Zimmerman
Played for the graduation march, and in the background in other parts of the film
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