Synopsis
World War II propaganda short which focuses on the dangers of inadvertent dispersal of military information.
Safeguarding Military Information
1941 Directed by Preston Sturges
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Sturges shows how loose lips sink ships in this wartime propaganda short. There’s a class, and a level of dialogue, that transcends the needs of the material. This is a repetitive and obvious work but it’s propaganda, that’s the point.
It’s relevant propaganda and illustrates its purpose well. There are also a few giggles and some recognisable faces.
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An effective ‘careless talk cost lives’ public information film produced by the War Department and written and directed by Preston Sturges. While it contains quite a bit of stock footage, it also features plenty of bespoke material, including salutary words from a commanding officer (played by Walter Huston) to his subordinates, and three mini-films that illustrate the perils of speaking without thinking. They each explore different scenarios in which engaging the mouth but not the brain can lead to mass fatalities. The sequence featuring Eddie Bracken as a loudmouthed soldier in a busy bar speaking with his girlfriend (played by Ginger Rogers) on the phone is perhaps the most potent. It’s funny (i.e. very Sturges) and the punchline is a real kicker, for all the wrong (but intended) reasons.
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“She’s built like a bicycle!”
Not essential, but the Eddie Bracken phone conversation has some of that classic Sturges touch.
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Simple military propaganda for Preston “she’s built like a bicycle” Sturges. Some core actors here. Everyone seems above the material of the piece, but then, this sort of thing was pretty serious business back then, keeping intel tight. I’m glad Sturges made it and learned not to talk about the military ever again.
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“A slip of the tongue may mean the difference between victory and defeat.”
“Thoughtlessness breeds sabotage” not nearly as catchy as “loose lips sink ships.”
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Preston Sturges directed 9 minute wartime short (I don't give # or star ratings to shorts as they are not comparable to films)
The production is rather basic, but it does have Eddie Bracken and Walter Huston in this cautionary short against speaking about military information. Made during WW2.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zU8hXowpS7s
If curious to see which WW2-themed productions RKO Chester likes better See my LIST here
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Supplement on the Criterion release of The Palm Beach Story. Definitely has Sturges's stamp on it. Eddie Bracken is so funny. Cool to see Walter Huston, too.
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I can't believe Preston Sturges killed Eddie Bracken. Also, ironic that Sturges, of all filmmakers, would make a film about the importance of shutting up.
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As a propaganda instructional short it's strictly matter of fact, but I threw in a half-star for the one scene that felt like Sturges-a hapless G.I. trying to convince his girl he's not cheating on her accidentally gives away deadly info. "She's built like a bicycle!"
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JUDY HOLLIDAY ISN'T EVEN IN THIS YOU WHORES
Edit: I'd like to thank my friend Shea for removing her from the cast list
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Some fun visual effects shots but mostly I just want to know how that guy got away with that giant lapel microphone.
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Propaganda, so uhhh not Preston Sturges' best! I tried to find a way to read it as wry satire, but no dice. At least Walter Huston is here.