The West Point Story
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Movie Reviews of The West Point Story
Movie Review: The Military Polka
Summary: 4 Stars
The West Point Story was one of Doris Day's earlier musicals and one of her many appearances with Gordon MacRae. I like it alot, but the movie is pretty slow until she comes into the story. (Which is about 20-30 minutes into the movie.) Doris makes quite an entrance when she does, finally, come into the story, singing the cute "Ten Thousand, Four Hundred and Thirty-two Sheep" number.
James Cagney's a struggling Broadway showman who gets hired to stage West Point's annual musical - with the intention of getting his friends nephew (Gordon MacRae) out of West Point for him. Cagney convinces Jan (Doris Day), a sweet Hollywood star to be the lead in the show, hoping that will help lure Gordon MacRae out. But the two stars end up falling in love and his plans start to fall apart.
It's an enjoyable movie and you'll love Doris Day and Gordon MacRae!
Movie Review: West Point Sings!
Summary: 4 Stars
For those for whom the title suggests a "cadets learn to become good soldiers" drama or who are only familiar with James Cagney in his gangster roles, this will be a surprise. This is a great 50's musical packed with the cream of the crop at Warner's at the time. Gordon Macrae (Oklahoma!, Carousel) Gene Nelson (Oklahoma!) Virginia Mayo (all those Danny Kaye movies), Cagney, and a perky early in her career Doris Day all provide a great time. Macrae and Day sing beautifully, Gene Nelson's dancing is on par with Gene Kelly, and Cagney is at his Yankee Doodle Dandy best. My favorite moment? Cagney and Mayo showing the cadets how to "sell" a number in "By the Kissing Rock." I highly recommend it.Movie Review: Far-fetched but fun!
Summary: 4 Stars
Is there nothing Cagney can't do? It would be rather intimidating to sing alongside powerhouses like Doris Day and Gordon MacRae, but James Cagney cannot be outdone. He's his usual stage-hogging but likable self. He's not a singing sensation, but he proves he had the confidence to pull it off. The film's weakest part is its plot; it is so insanely unrealistic and with any other actors I would've thrown this in the garbage, but the cast truly saves the day. The musical numbers aren't very catchy, but they're staged well and beautifully sung--especially by Gordon MacRae. Just leave your brain at the door and this film will entertain.Movie Review: Notable Stars Enliven Ho-Hum Musical
Summary: 3 Stars
It's hard to get worked up about THE WEST POINT STORY, a wildly flyweight black-and-white musical that, in spite of memorable stars and character actors, must have seemed ridiculously old fashioned even when it was released in 1950. The story is purely foolish, with James Cagney playing a down-on-his-luck Broadway director who gets roped into staging the annual show at West Point; Virginia Mayo, Doris Day, and Gordon MacRae round out the cast.
Directed by the experienced Roy Del Ruth, the movie moves at a good clip, and the songs and dances are well performed if not especially memorable. The script leans hard on bluster and is short on wit, with Cagney providing the former and Mayo what there is of the latter. Day is seen early in her career, and is charming; MacRae, of course, would go on to greater success in the film versions of OKLAHOMA and CAROUSEL. Every one plays with a snap, but the overall movie is so ho-hum my finger itched on my remote's fast forward button.
The DVD has several special features that aren't particularly so. There is a news reel of the period, a feature on horse racing, and a truly enjoyable Looney Tunes featuring Daffy Duck--which is quite frankly better than the movie. When all is said and done, THE WEST POINT STORY is really best left to hardcore fans of its stars; most others will find it competent but completely uninspired.
GFT, Amazon Reviewer
Movie Review: Very Disappointing
Summary: 1 Stars
James Cagney and Doris Day are two of my favorite actors. They both laugh and dance and always make you feel like they loved to entertain. I have nearly all of their movies, most sight unseen because I have always trusted in their ability to pull it off or make it work in a movie in spite of stupid plots and weak supporting actors. I had never heard of The West Point Story but Jimmy and Doris were the stars so the rest did not matter. I was never hesitant about laying out the cash because, in the end, they always made it worth my time and money. I guess we all disappoint someone at some time and Jimmy and Doris were certainly that for me in this film.
Of course, Jimmy's dance scenes were wonderful and his acting was the usual top of the scale. Doris was pretty and sang lovely tunes. You even get to chuckle a time or two. Even so, their dazzling moves and exceptional talent were not enough to save the day this time. The plot was almost ridiculous and the scenarios used to introduce the main characters was clumsy or just made no sense at all. Hoping against hope, I found myself waiting all through the movie for that special something that would make it better. It never came. Once the movie ended and my screen went black, I knew I just should have either scrubbed floors, watch paint dry, simply had a V-8 instead. Jimmy, Doris, I will love you both forever, but not in this film.
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