Buck Privates

Slicker Smith and Herbie Brown are sidewalk peddlers who hawk neckties from a suitcase. Chased by a cop, they duck into a movie theater, not realizing that it is now being used as an Army enlistment center. Believing that they are signing up for theater prizes, they accidentally enlist.

Meanwhile, spoiled playboy Randolph Parker III and his long-suffering valet, Bob Martin, also report to the theater. Randolph expects his influential father to pull strings so he can dodge military service, while Bob, practical and unflustered, takes his obligations in stride. Tensions between the two men rise further with the introduction of Judy Gray, a camp hostess and Bob’s friend, whom Randolph targets.

At boot camp, Slicker and Herbie are mortified to discover that Sgt. Michael Collins, the policeman who chased them, is now their sergeant. Randolph learns that his father will not intervene, and he must face service. Camp life isn’t all discipline, especially with The Andrews Sisters appearing at regular intervals to sing sentimental or patriotic tunes, including “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” with performers like Patty Andrews and Maxene Andrews, and with Herbie continuing to foul up with little consequence.

Although he is an expert marksman, Randolph skips the army shooting match to spend the afternoon with Judy. The company loses the match and resents him. However, during a war-game exercise, Randolph redeems himself by saving Bob and devising a clever ruse to win the mock battle for his company. He is finally accepted by his unit and wins Bob’s and Judy’s admiration. When he learns that he’s been accepted to Officer Training School, he initially refuses, thinking his father’s influence got him there, but his commanding officer explains that his training record and recommendations from superiors played the decisive role. Bob has also been offered an appointment to OTS, and Judy announces that she will join them there as a hostess.

Meanwhile, Smitty and Herbie accept Collins’ invitation to shoot dice, but Herbie ends up losing his pants in a humorous twist.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 09:27