Customer Reviews

Ship Ahoy [VHS]

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My two-star rating is for this particular VHS version, not for the movie. This is a fun musical comedy with Eleanor Powell, Burt Lahr, Virginia O'Brien, Red Skelton, and the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra at their best. It opens with the band performing "Hawaiian War Chant," featuring spectacular solo playing by trombonist Dorsey, drummer Buddy Rich, and trumpeter Ziggy Ellman. Unfortunately, the sound quality on this VHS is so poor that only about 25 percent of the dialogue is understandable. This is no exaggeration--it's so bad it needs subtitles. The musical numbers are also diminished by the poor sound. I recently saw the movie on Turner Classic Movies (TCM), and the sound was fine. My recommendation: Don't waste money on this VHS version. Wait for it to show again on TCM, or until it's reissued on a quality DVD.

Anything shes in should be on a re-mastered DVD NOW! My God its been 12 years sinc this movie was released on VHS isnt it time to upgrade it????

The plot of this enjoyable MGM musical is contrived and only occasionally amusing, dealing with espionage and romance but the focus of the film is properly pointed upon the tuneful interludes showcasing the enormously talented and athletic tap dancing Eleanor Powell, abetted by Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra, featuring Ziggy Elman, Buddy Rich and Frank Sinatra. Red Skelton shares top billing with Powell, and he and sidekick Bert Lahr are given most of the comedic minutes, although Skelton is more effective when he, if it can be believed, performs as Powell's love interest, with Virginia O'Brien actually providing most of the film's humor as the dancer's companion. The technical brilliance of Powell is evidenced during one incredible scene within which Buddy Rich contributes his drumming skills, and which must be viewed several times in order to permit one's breathing to catch up with her precision. Director Edward Buzzell utilizes his large cast well to move the action nicely along despite the rather disjointed script with which he must deal, and permits Powell's cotangent impossibilities to rule the affair, as is appropriate.

If you've ever wondered what Red Skelton did before television, this is your answer! Not only does Red utter his famous "I dood it", but he also does impressions of George Raft, Edward G. Robinson, and Chester Morris. This film also stars Bert Lahr, the cowardly lion from "The Wizard of Oz", in a supporting role. The real surprise is an unbilled appearance by Frank Sinatra! Eleanor Powell has some nice musical numbers, but the real star is Red Skelton!

Ship Ahoy, is a must-see for musical fans. The plot is not very strong, but the performances by the actors are great!
Red Skelton plays a hypochondriac author who meets Eleanor Powell while on a cruise. She's a dancing star with Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra and when she gets sent on a mission, she thinks she is working for the government. Frank Sinatra sings a few songs, the expressionless Virginia O'Brien stars as a friend of Eleanor Powell's, and Bert Lahr, best known for his performance as the cowardly lion in "The Wizard of Oz"The Wizard of Oz (Two-Disc Special Edition), adds some comedy as a friend of Red's.
Don't miss Eleanor tapping out a message, moarse code style, to the audience while performing with "On Moonlight Bay."

I agree, this movie should be put on DVD!

When seen with the picture and sound it deserves, this is a flashy MGM talent show that you will enjoy. The story which, serves as the clothesline for the excellent song, dance and comedy, is flimsy..as was customary in the days before Oklahoma, but serviceable. Interestingly, only Ziggy Elman, one of the premiere swing trumpets, and Buddy Rich, early in his transformation from vaudeville wonder boy to star swing orchestra drummer, get billing as members of the Tommy Dorsey Band. Frank Sinatra, another band member, is unbilled, although, today, of greater historical importance. Eleanor Powell is given appropriate prominence for her dance numbers, always a highlight in any film in which she appeared, while Red Skelton and Bert Lahr, handle the comedy with elan. Oh, yes, one does get to hear some of the outstanding Tommy Dorsey trombone and Virginia O'Brian trademark deadpan singing as well.
All in all, a fine look at some of the class acts of the early forties.

First: I like very much Eleanor Powell Tap Dancing - the best female tap dancer of the world.

Story in few words: Musical/Comedy meets Spy/War-Movie

2nd.: it isn't the best Movie or with the best dance scenes of Eleanor Powell (my mind: "Born to Dance" was the best!) but the movie itself is very nice and contains many talents: Bert Lahr (the Lion in "The Wizard of Oz"), Red Skelton, Virginia O'Brian (with her emotionless face/singing = great comedy talent!) and Tommy Dorsey and His Band.

Interesting: Eleanor Powell's Morse-Code-Tap-Dance

The most interesting appearance today has a very young newcomer: Frank Sinatra in his second movie appearance - he sings 2 songs as band-member of Tommy Dorsey.

DVD: the picture quality is pretty good and also the sound is good. Also like the DVD Cover Art-Work which based from the original Poster-Artwork.

I'm missing: bonus features and subtitles (SDH).