TANKS A MILLION

William Tracy and Joe Sawyer

TANKS A MILLION (1941). Director: Fred Guiol. 

"Dodo" Doubleday (William Tracy) is actually a whiz kid with a photographic memory. When he's drafted into the Army, he incurs the wrath of his fellow soldiers and especially Sgt. Ames (Joe Sawyer of Inside Job) by reciting the rule book he memorized at every opportunity. Nonetheless, his knowledge makes him a sergeant in very short order, only making everyone madder and more determined to trip him up. Ames is certain that Dodo has finally screwed up when he winds up inadvertently impersonating Colonel Barkley (James Gleason) and even giving a speech for him. 

Elyse Knox and Noah Beery Jr. 

Tanks a Million is a serviceable service comedy with very familiar elements, such as grumpy sergeants and colonels and grumbling soldiers. There are a few funny moments, however, thanks to the cast, especially the work of Sawyer and a near-apoplectic Gleason. Noah Beery Jr. and Elyse Knox are cast as another soldier whom Dodo knew beforehand, and Dodo's lady friend, Jeannie. Frank Faylen and Douglas Fowley also have small roles as Army men. Tracy is competent as the leading man, although one can't quite call him a brilliant comic actor.

Verdict: Hard to distinguish one of these movies from all of the others like it. **.