Product Details

• Actors: Frank Sinatra, Kathryn Grayson, Gene Kelly, José Iturbi, Dean Stockwell
• Directors: George Sidney
• Writers: Isobel Lennart, Natalie Marcin
• Producers: Joe Pasternak
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Mpi Home Video
• VHS Release Date: May 29, 2001
• Run Time: 143 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (45 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 630019907X
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #80,819 in Video (See Bestsellers in Video)

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  Video > Documentary > Military & War > Naval

• This item is part of The In Defense of Freedom Series.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com essential video
Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra teamed up for their first of three musical comedies in this frothy confection of sailors on leave in Hollywood, with gawky, shy young Sinatra tagging along with his worldly buddy Kelly, who promises to show him the ropes. Overlong at more than two hours, this meandering production is light on story, and more than a little sentimental, but full of first-rate entertainment. Sinatra croons "I Fall in Love Too Easily" and "What Makes the Sunset," chirpy costar Kathryn Grayson sings "All of a Sudden My Heart Sings," classical pianist José Iturbi provides a little highbrow interlude, and Gene Kelly dances with cartoon mouse Jerry (of Tom and Jerry fame) when not chasing dames. Somewhere in the midst of this, little Dean Stockwell makes his film debut as a runaway orphan who melts the heart of self-centered Kelly. This big-budget Technicolor extravaganza, directed by MGM stalwart and musical specialist George Sidney (Show Boat, Kiss Me Kate), was one of the studio's biggest hits in 1945. --Sean Axmaker

From the Back Cover
The story of the United States Navy is one of pride and excellence. In Anchors Aweigh, an exciting chapter from the In Defense of Freedom series, the history of the Navy is explored from its birth two centuries ago to its accomplishments in Vietnam. Filled with dramatic war footage and insightful commentary, this cassette shows the Navy in all its shining colors. Its victory over the British during the Revolutionary War was just the beginning of the Navy's soaring exploits. Its great naval tradition continued in 1812 with the defeat of 165 British vessels by only 22 American ships and its sinking of the Spanish fleet in Manila Bay made the Navy a force to be reckoned with. In World War I, destroyers and merchant ships crippled German submarines and, in the Second World War, eliminated over a thousand Japanese vessels. Restored footage shows stunning action in both the Atlantic and Pacific arenas in which the Navy triumphed over and over again. The Navy's modern technology and flawless strategies make it invincible. This was nowhere more evident than in the Philippines, which was hailed as the greatest naval battle in history. Though both World Wars have ended, the Navy has never let down its guard. Its amphibious landings in Korea, its defiance of Russian cargo ships during the Cuban Missile Crisis and its river patrols during the Vietnam War are proof of the Navy's commitment to freedom of the seas and the American flag.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars If you knew Suzie, like I know Suzie..., January 2, 2001

By	Zack Davisson "All Good Things" (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Anchors Aweigh (Snap Case) (DVD)

"Anchor's Aweigh" is a fun little film. It is a musical in the old MGM tradition, with just enough plot to stitch together some good song and dance. Very happy and light hearted, with some memorable tunes. Gene Kelly is his usual brand of great, and it's fun to see Frank Sinatra as a shy, skinny little kid who has no luck with "dames." Certainly not the Frank of his later years.

One of the sweetest moments is Frank singing "Brahm's Lullaby." It is very intimate and nice, coming off better than some of his "star moments." The big symphony numbers, lead by José Iturbi, are well done. "Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2" is outstanding. Gene Kelly dances his way around that Mexican Hat Dance, and, of course, does his famous shuffle with Jerry the Mouse.

The DVD is actually well packed and worth the purchase. There is a little "Making of..." segment regarding the Jerry the Mouse sequence. This is an excerpt from Patrick Stewart's "When the Lion Roared" MGM documentary. There are movie trailers for "On The Town" and "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" in addition to the feature attraction.

Altogether a very nice package for a fun film.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gene Kelly at his charming best!!!!!, December 13, 2000

By	TaurusAttic "blah" (in the trenches) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anchors Aweigh [VHS] (VHS Tape)

An incredible film, as is usually the case with Gene Kelly's work. Notable numbers by Frank include "I Fall In Love Too Easily" and his three numbers with Gene: "We Hate To Leave", "I begged Her" and "If You Knew Suzie". However, the inclusion of the annoying Kathryn Grayson does lend for some loss in enjoyment. Her frightfully overly-operatic voice can be immensely spine-chilling and her forced acting leaves much to be desired.

The highlight of Anchors Aweigh would have to be Gene Kelly! Swoon...*thud*. Gorgeous as ever, one cannot help but fall in love with the way Gene converses with Lola on the phone! The famous boxer shorts scene has Gene prancing about for a good minute or two in his boxers, and that is enough to send any female fan of Gene up the ceiling into Gene-heaven! His "the worry song" with animation Jerry the mouse is as thrilling and charming as a number can possibly get. Also, his dance solos which include the "Mexican hat dance" and also the fantasy romance dance, are simply marvellous. A must for any musical fan, and essential for anyone who dares to call herself or himself a Gene Kelly affecionado!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't get enough..., January 15, 2005

By	dancin' maniac - See all my reviews

This review is from: Anchors Aweigh (Snap Case) (DVD)

So what if it's a little long? If you love Gene Kelly as much as I do, the time passes too quickly. Gene and Frank work well together and they make an adorable pair of saliors trying to get the girls. So cute in their younger years... excuse me while I swoon.