BUCK PRIVATES

Buck Privates
Universal, 1941, B/W, 84 minutes, ***
Released January, 1941

Boot camp becomes a course in basic comedy training, thanks to Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in the team's first starring film, when they join spoiled rich man Lee Bowman and ex-valet Alan Curtis as reluctant draftees. The Andrews Sisters also get in on the fun, singing "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" and "Bounce Me Brother with a Solid Four."

Associate Producer: Alex Gottlieb
Directed by: Arthur Lubin
Assistant Director: Gil Valle
Original Screen Play: Arthur T. Horman
Military Advisor: Capt. Jack Voglin
Special Material for Abbott and Costello: John Grant
Musical Director: Charles Previn
"Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy," "Bounce Me Brother with a Solid Four," "When Private Brown Becomes a Captain" by Don Raye and Hughie Prince
"You're a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith" by Don Raye, Hughie Prince and Sonny Burke
"I Wish You Were Here" by Don Raye, Hughie Prince and Vic Schoen
"I'll Be With You When It's Apple Blossom Time" (sic) by Albert Von Tilzer and Neville Fleeson
Vocal Arrangements: Vic Schoen
Music Supervisor: Ted Cain
Dance Director: Nick Castle
Art Director: Jack Otterson
Associate: Ralph M. DeLacy
Set Decorations: R. A. Gausman
Gowns: Vera West
Sound Supervisor: Bernard B. Brown
Technician: Paul Neal
Directors of Photography: Milton Krasner, Jerry Ash
Film Editor: Philip Cahn

Awards: Academy Award nominations for Best Score - Musical (Charles Previn), and Best Song ("Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy")

Cast: Lee Bowman [Randolph Parker, III], Alan Curtis [Bob Martin], Bud Abbott [Slicker Smith], Lou Costello [Herbie Brown], The Andrews Sisters [Patty, Maxene, LaVerne], Jane Frazee [Judy Gray], Nat Pendleton [Sgt. Michael Collins], Samuel S. Hinds [Major General Emerson], Harry Strang [Sgt. Callahan], Nella Walker [Mrs. Parker, II], Leonard Elliott [Henry], Shemp Howard [Chef], Mike Frankovich [Announcer], Dora Clement [Miss Durling], Jeanne Kelly (aka Jean Brooks), Elaine Morey (aka Janet Warren), Kay Leslie, Nina Orla, Dorothy Darrell [Camp Hostesses], And the World Champion Boogie Woogie Dancers [as Themselves], Additional Cast: Don Raye [Dick Burnette], Charles Anthony Hughes [Capt. Williams], Hughie Prince [Henry Sloan], Frank Cook [Harmonica Player], James Flavin [Sergeant], Harold Goodwin [Sergeant], Douglas Wood [Mr. Parker], Charles Coleman [Edmunds], Selmer Jackson [Captain], Tom Tyler [Instructor], Bud Harris [Porter], Al Billings [Tough Fighter]

Musical Program: [0:00] You're a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:12] You're a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith (sung by the Andrews Sisters, then sung by Mens Chorus); [0:26] I Wish You Were Here (sung by Jane Frazee); [0:36] I'll Be with You in Apple Blossom Time (sung by the Andrews Sisters and Chorus); [0:54] When Private Brown Becomes a Captain (played on guitar and harmonica by Frank Cook, vocal by Lou Costello and Kitchen Crew); [0:59] Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy (sung by the Andrews Sisters); [1:16] Bounce Me Brother with a Solid Four (danced by canteen guests, sung by the Andrews Sisters); [1:21] Finale: You're a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith (marched and sung by soldiers, the Andrews Sisters); Incidental music includes excerpts of marches, Taps, Reveille, etc.