John Ford shows his directorial eclat in comedic cinema with When Willie Comes Marching Home (1950) that is adapted from Sy Gomberg’s short story “When Leo Comes Marching Home.” Set during the World War II years around the time of Pearl Harbor, the character-driven story comes packed with endless smiles and laughter.
Viewers get to follow the story of William Kluggs, or Willie (Dan Dailey), a young man in West Virginia who is passionate about becoming a war hero by enlisting in the military and fight for his country. But when his officers choose to keep him as a shooting instructor right next to his hometown instead of sending him overseas for combat, Willie becomes the underdog in his own eyes and that of his family and townsfolk. Will he ever get a chance to be a proud combat hero or just keep coming home to mom and dad every weekend from his base?
When Willie Comes Marching Home raises the question of a man’s place in society during war and the public’s standards for heroism. The story is a valid critique of attitudes and judgmental mindsets when it comes to men and masculinity. However, Ford’s presentation fills every minute of the movie with entertainment and leaves no dull moments while showing the emotional side of the issue without letting the humor from the grip. Willie’s misadventures guarantee laughter till the end.
Dan Dailey makes the perfect Willie for big screen and leads the character-centered humor in the presentation. The supporting cast is great and complements Dailey’s performance. There are a couple of interesting facts about this production. One, there is a musical component and a couple dance scenes in the movie for which Dailey being a trained dancer made a great fit. Secondly, there is a Punxatawney in Pennsylvania in real-life America but not in West Virginia. So Willie’s hometown of Punxatawney in WV is entirely fictional.
When Willie Comes Marching Home is a good pick for any evening that you want to make light and relaxing.
