Awesome Movie

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

I watched the first 45 minutes or so of this movie. Watching classic movies is fun because you get to see many actors who you are familiar with from later works in their lives. There are many fine supporting actors in this movie. The obvious problem rests with the lead Tab Hunter who cannot act.I thought the scene where Hunter's character undergoes his physical for the military was funny and gay themed. I am sure the gay crowd loved this scene watching bare chested Tab parade around in his underwear in line with other young men in similar attire. Then comes the best line when Tab sits shirtless behind a desk and the military interviewer asks him if he likes women. Considering that Tab is gay in real life and was pretending to be straight in 1956 this is funny.Tab was a good looking young man who had gay friends in powerful positions and that is probably how he got the lead in this movie. The poor guy could not act worth a whit at least not in 1956!

In a typical American town, handsome healthy Tab Hunker (as Andrew "Andy" L. Sheaffer) plays college football during the day, and dates kissable Natalie Wood (as Susan Daniels) at night. For cash, Mr. Hunter charms fawning mother Jessie Royce Landis (as Madeline). Hunter remains in college to avoid the draft, which Ms. Wood tells him means he's "insolent." She is working her way through school. Wood feels Hunter has no sense of responsibility, getting through life on his charm and good looks. She loves him, but returns his pin. This separation causes Hunter to flunk out of college, and he is drafted. In US Army training at Fort Ord, California, the film's narrator says Hunter works on his muscle tone - which doesn't appear to need much refining...Hunter turns his head and coughs, hops on one foot, and does sit-ups. After three days of training, Sgt. Murray Hamilton (as Clyde) shouts at Hunter, "Suck that fat civilian belly in!" But, Hunter never looked fat at all. He meets fellow recruits Henry Jones (as Hanson), Alan King (as Maguire), and James Garner (as Preston); they have a good attitude about the military, but Hunter remains cocky. Sgt. Jim Backus (as Hanna) wants Hunter to grown up; he lets him know Wood stopped by to visit, but was accosted by Captain David Janssen (as Genaro). Writer Guy Trosper fashioned a decades-old formula (the arrogant youth in the military) picture for Hunter and Warner Bros. He is helped by a fun supporting cast, especially the drilling and winking Mr. Hamilton.****** The Girl He Left Behind (10/26/56) David Butler ~ Tab Hunter, Natalie Wood, Murray Hamilton, Jessie Royce Landis

In 1956 when America was just back from the Korean War, this movie was made. It tells the story of Andy Sheaffer, (Tab Hunter) a rich, spoiled and pampered young man who is ready to accept a high society position among the elite, rich and privileged. Unfortunately his more mature girlfriend Susan Daniels (Natalie Wood) wants more out of her intended. She prefers her man to be an adult, self-sufficient and away from his over protective mother. To this end, he discovers he has been drafted and reluctantly inducted into the U.S. Army. Even though he can easily succeed in the military, Sheaffer prefers otherwise. Within the ranks are several men who try their best to convince him of his natural abilities. Relative Hollywood newcomers are among the names of those who try. Murray Hamilton (excellent part for him) plays his platoon Sargent, Jim Backus, Henry Jones, Alan King, James Garner and even David Janssen attempt to help him with the transformation. The movie is a little heavy on social responsibility, but just shy of military propaganda. Indeed, it was originally intended to help young men decide about life in the military. A good film which allowed Murray, Garner and Jansen to lay the foundations of their respective careers. ****

This is a very entertaining drama/comedy about a young man who flunked out of college and ran his only remaining option - the Army. Andy Schaeffer had not yet cut the silver string to his mother, yet he pictured himself as the picture of independence. His most difficult transition into Army life is presented in alternating serious and highly humorous veins. Filmed at Fort Ord, California, this picture featured a number of future stars, such as James Garner, David Janssen, Jim Backus, Tab Hunter, Natalie Wood, Alan King, and others. This will really spark the interest - and nostalgia - of any man who ever went through basic training, in any service. Well worth watching, and owning!