Here Comes the Navy

Play trailer

Here Comes the Navy

1934,

1h 26m,

Comedy/

Drama

Play Trailer

Watchlist

Watchlist

80%

5 Reviews

Tomatometer

37%

250+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

80%

Tomatometer

5 Reviews

37%

Popcornmeter

250+ Ratings

After Chesty O'Connor (James Cagney), a pugnacious shipyard worker, loses a girl to a dapper sailor named Biff Martin (Pat O'Brien), he impetuously decides to join the navy to pursue his grudge. Struggling with the navy's idea of discipline, Chesty soon makes a long list of enemies, but unexpectedly finds a friend in Biff's pretty sister, Dorothy (Gloria Stuart). But Biff is understandably suspicious of his intentions, so Chesty will have to prove his worth with some considerable panache.

Otis Ferguson

The New Republic

Jan 22, 2024

The saving business of the picture is the give-and-take as between Cagney and O'Brien, who do not so much act parts as make them.

Go to Full Review

Frank S. Nugent

New York Times

Jan 31, 2012

3.5/5

A fast-moving comedy enriched by an authentic naval setting.

Go to Full Review

Variety Staff

Variety

Jan 31, 2012

It's light on story, and because of that it borders on being an elaborate newsreel.

Go to Full Review

Ann Ross

Maclean's Magazine

Oct 2, 2019

The result is that, while the story itself is purely mechanical, the actual mechanics manage to be pretty exciting.

Go to Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Mar 17, 2011

B-

Nominated for best picture Oscar, this is the first film James Cagney, in a Navy uniform, made after the introduction of the Code and his first appearance with frequent co-star Pat O'Brien

Go to Full Review

Read all reviews

George S

Apr 18, 2019

Here Comes the Navy is weakly directed and focusing on many navy scenes which are less interesting than the romantic ones, but still its inherent charm carried it through to a solid status as it's a very enjoyable flick with likable characters and a charismatic performance from James Cagney.

See more

Poe G

Jun 19, 2017

Taking into consideration the period that this film was shot in, this movie is surprisingly effective. Cagney plays rough-around-the-edges, blue-collar joe turned naval officer 'Chesty O Conner' bent on exacting revenge on snooty, stoic commanding officer Pat O'Brien after a ballroom brawl. The banter between Cagney and O'Brien is surprisingly fresh and creative. Unfortunately--and my one criticism of the film--Chesty never quite becomes the officer and gentleman we hope we will mature into. Still, Cagney--who could sing, dance and act (and do all three quite well I might add)--gives a great performance nonetheless. It's worth a watch.

See more

Read all reviews

Lloyd Bacon

Director

James Cagney

Chesty O'Conner

Pat O'Brien

Biff Martin

Gloria Stuart

Dorothy Martin

Frank McHugh

Droopy Mullins

Dorothy Tree

Gladys

Peter Ibbetson

80%

63%

Peter Ibbetson

Watchlist

The Jokers

64%

The Jokers

Watchlist

Star Spangled Rhythm

57%

Star Spangled Rhythm

Watchlist

The Hairy Ape

40%

17%

The Hairy Ape

Watchlist

Age-Old Friends

86%

Age-Old Friends

Watchlist

Discover more movies and TV shows.

View More

View more photos

Synopsis

After Chesty O'Connor (James Cagney), a pugnacious shipyard worker, loses a girl to a dapper sailor named Biff Martin (Pat O'Brien), he impetuously decides to join the navy to pursue his grudge. Struggling with the navy's idea of discipline, Chesty soon makes a long list of enemies, but unexpectedly finds a friend in Biff's pretty sister, Dorothy (Gloria Stuart). But Biff is understandably suspicious of his intentions, so Chesty will have to prove his worth with some considerable panache.

Director: Lloyd Bacon
Producer: Louis F. Edelman
Screenwriter: Ben Markson, Earl Baldwin
Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures
Production Co: Warner Bros., Warner Brothers/Seven Arts
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jul 21, 1934, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 20, 2016
Runtime: 1h 26m

Join The Newsletter

Join The Newsletter

Cookie Settings