Is March On, Marines Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1940)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

March On, Marines, a standout production of 1940, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Drama landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Marine Sergeant Bob Lansing has just completed a tour of duty in the Pacific and is off to study at the Officer's Academy in Annapolis if he passes the entrance exam. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Marine Sergeant Bob Lansing has just completed a tour of duty in the Pacific and is off to study at the Officer's Academy in Annapolis if he passes the entrance exam. He soon finds out that his younger brother, Jimmy Lansing, just recently made sergeant as well, will also be taking the exam with him. The Lansing brothers are hard working and patriotic military men and both deserve to be accepted into the Academy, but they learn there is only one spot available. As entrance into Annapolis is dependent both on their exam results and their record, they are encouraged by the base colonel to enter into a friendly rivalry for the three weeks on the base prior to the exam. They also enter into a friendly rivalry for the affections of Penelope Hayworth, the admiral's daughter."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Dennis Morgan, the performance in March On, Marines feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by B. Reeves Eason is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 21 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is March On, Marines truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, March On, Marines explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1940 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and B. Reeves Eason respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, March On, Marines is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Dennis Morgan or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, March On, Marines is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.