Navy Blue and Gold

Starring: Robert Young, James Stewart, Florence Rice, Billie Burke, Lionel Barrymore, Tom Brown, Samuel S. Hinds
Directed by: Sam Wood
Rating: Passed
Genre: Drama
1937

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Follows three men as they join the Navy.

Review:

Tim: Navy Blue and Gold is an entertaining look at three men who join the Navy Academy. Each comes from a different background and we watch their blooming friendship as they navigate the ups and downs of Academy life. Sure, the film feels too much like a propaganda for the Navy, but this is a patriot film, a film about real Americans serving their country. I enjoyed the look at life at Annapolis. The film is probably a bit too self-serving to be considered a great film, but it's absolutely an enjoyable one.

It was a great idea to center the story around three very different men. James Stewart plays Cross. He's a Navy man in his very DNA. A sailor, a football star, a man who has deep loyalty and respect. Stewart is wonderful in this role. While the part didn't let him really stretch his acting muscles, he brings his trademark likability to the role. He's someone you just immediately connect with and care about. Robert Young is likewise strong as Ash- a headstrong, selfish, egotistical man who could certainly be redeemed. He offered a great counter to Stewart's goody goody Cross. It was fun seeing their dynamic and their friendship, despite their differences. There was mutual respect there- that shows up not just in the characters, but in the actors portraying them. The third friend is played by Tom Brown. His Dick Gates is wealthy but naive, wants to be accepted and since he'll never be a great football player, has an encyclopedic knowledge of the game. He seems to tag along with the other two, but has a lot to offer in his own right. The heart of the film is the story of these three men and it's entertaining to watch that.

The film does a good job of showing the progression of their journey through the Academy. We see early examples of hazing, we see their growth as football players and friends. We watch as they each struggle with demons from their past or from limitations in their character. We watch them fall in love. It's never boring and director Sam Wood keeps things moving along so that the movie never drags too badly. I loved seeing Lionel Barrymore in a supporting role here- he's a terrific actor and makes every movie better.

It's not a surprise that this was a popular movie- it feels like that, from the first frame to the last. It's a film that connects with our patriotism, showing American men doing the best they can as they move through a military academy. It's the kind of film that would obviously be popular in the mid 1930s. It's entertaining, but it's ultimately a bit too lightweight. Yes, there are some beautiful dramatic moments sprinkled in, but doesn't have that true depth that the classics have. This feels like a light entertainment, never to be mistaken for a truly landmark film. Still, not every film can be a classic- Navy Blue and Gold is an enjoyable film and one I'm glad I watched.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: It's a Wonderful Life, The Spirit of St. Louis, Strategic Air Command