Simply A Masterpiece

Fresh and Exciting

As Good As It Gets

I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

I knew nothing about this movie until I happened to catch it one day on TV years ago. I couldn't believe how good it was, and how I've never heard anything about a movie of this caliber. I truly felt like I stumbled upon a hidden gem.The acting is superb, as many of the lead characters were accomplished Broadway actors. It's refreshing to actually see a movie that relies on a good script with actors capable of performing it at a high level, instead of the crappy movies of today that rely on CGI, explosions and breasts. Hollywood should probably take some notes from this movie.The star of the show is Andy Griffith, who plays Will Stockdale, a simple, naive, unsophisticated rube from the South that gets drafted into the military. He's absolutely brilliant in this role, and you really see just how talented he was as a lead comedic actor. The movie basically revolves around Pvt Stockdale, his new friend and bunk mate, Pvt Whitledge (who dreams of being an infantry soldier), and their barracks sergeant, Sgt King. Stockdale's goofiness and unsophistication continually cause havoc for those around him, especially for Sgt King, a lifer that does everything possible to keep things calm but always finds himself in compromising situations thanks to the antics of Stockdale. There is memorable scene after memorable scene, such as Stockdale being named the P.L.O. (Permanent Latrine Orderly), which he thinks is a promotion, and makes all the commodes salute during inspections. There's the night he out drank everybody at the Enlisted Club and walked away unscathed during a fight that gets everybody else in trouble. How he somehow turned the tables on the Doctor during his psychological exam. The airplane scene where everybody thought him and Whitledge were dead. I can go on and on. This movie is just flat-out hilarious from start to finish.Stockdale being such a likable character only helps this movie, as you genuinely find yourself rooting for him when he gets into trouble, and cheering for him as he always seems to muddle his way through them. The acting is tight, the pace is crisp and there is memorable scene after memorable scene in this riot of a movie. If you like comedies, this is a must see.

Georgia hillbilly Andy Griffith (as Will Stockdale) joins the U.S. Air Force after years of having his father scuttle draft notices. Simple-minded but strong, Mr. Griffith befriends small bespectacled Nick Adams (as Benjamin "Ben" Whitledge). In the barracks, Griffith gets under the skin of Sergeant Myron McCormick (as Orville King). In one of the film's more amusing sequences, Mr. McCormick gives a naive Griffith "la-trine" duty. Griffith is proud to be "P.L.O." (Permanent Latrine Orderly), happily scrubbing sinks and toilet seats...Watch for Griffith's future situation comedy co-star Don Knotts in a small role. Interestingly, Griffith's "Will Stockdale" character is more like future pal "Gomer Pyle" than "Andy" of Mayberry. "No Time for Sergeants" had been a rare comedy entry of "The U.S. Steel Hour" (1955) and was adapted for Broadway the following year, both starring Griffith. For this film, some stretching and loss of intimacy is evident.****** No Time for Sergeants (5/29/58) Mervyn LeRoy ~ Andy Griffith, Nick Adams, Myron McCormick, Murray Hamilton

Before Andy Griffith the movie star/ TV actor, there was Andy Griffith the stand up comic. Doing the naive hick routine was part of his comical act. One notable bit was entitled "What It Was, Was Football." In this bit he was very much like Will Stockdale explaining football . Naturally he was perfect for "No Time For Sargents." This movie showcased what a comic genius Griffith really was,and was also notable for being Don Knott's first movie. Later they would star opposite each other on the extremely popular "Andy Griffith Show." This is a very well done comedy about military life and I would highly recommend it for all ages. Co-starring Nick Adams.

(No intentional spoilers) From start till finish each main actor portrays a character that really becomes a character that is fun to watch and memorable in their performance. For example, the naiveté, 'backwardness', and optimism of Andy Griffith's Will Stockdale is refreshing and sets the tone for good object lessons throughout the film. From the tender feelings expressed for an aged parent, to taking a bullied stranger under his wing and looking out for him, to misconstruing a punishment for a promotion and then doing it better than had ever been done, to the unreserved loyalty for his superior officer and fellow recruits, this is a movie with a heart and the ability to prompt enough belly laughs to keep your sides in enough stitches that you will no doubt savor it for some time. It's rather a sad commentary that so-called comedies today can't hold a candle to a movie made over 50 years ago with no cursing, nudity, questionable moral themes, and humor all ages can laugh at, but maybe that's what some call progress. And it's finally out on DVD!