The Private Wore Skirts

"Never Wave at a WAC" is worth seeing just for one thing -- Rosalind Russell's over-the-top performance as the ultimate socialite snob of snobs. Russell could play sophisticates and prim and proper upper crust, including in comedies. But she gives this role such snobbery that her completely spoiled and selfish persona quickly makes the audience want to see her get tanked. And, when she does, of sorts, she keeps the snobbery going beyond anyone's imagination. It's a superb performance and role.

This film was made during the Korean War. It came out in January of 1953, and a truce would bring the war to an end in July. The film is first and foremost a comedy, but also is a slight patriotic film with a pat on the back for the WACs. The Women's Army Corps was established in May 1942 during WW II and lasted until 1978 when it was disbanded and all units were integrated into the regular Army with males.

The plot is silly with some very funny scenes. Wealthy Jo McBain is the daughter of prominent U. S.. Senator Tom Reynolds. She lives and glories in the limelight of Washington, D. C. During the day, she is busy making public appearances for all sorts of civic things. In the evenings, she is the toast and host of Washington society. She throws elaborate parties at which all the big wigs, brass and famous people are invited and attend - including a menagerie of ambassadors and other foreign diplomats. In one very funny scene, Jo cuts a ribbon for a strange looking small sculpture that resembles a water fountain. It's across the south lawn of the White House and the next scene shows Jo smiling and waving at figures in two windows of the White House. Caricatures of the President and first lady are waving back.

Jo has been divorced from Andrew McBain, played by Paul Douglas. He's a scientist and researcher who is now designing and making protecting clothing and gear for GIs. Jo is now engaged to Air Force Lt. Col. Sky Fairchild, who's just been reassigned to Paris, France. She is jealous of another attractive socialite who has a commission in the WACs. First Lt. Phyllis Turnbull, is also going to Paris, and also has an eye for Sky Fairchild. The senator thinks his daughter needs to come down off her pedestal and get her feet on the ground. So, he cons Jo into joining the WACs. She thinks she's going to get a gold-plated commission handed to her.

But when she drives her convertible with her fine clothes all packed and ready for duty at Fort Lee, Virginia, she soon finds out that she will be Pvt. McBain, not General McBain. Still, she persists in her snobbish persona, with some hilarious scenes stepping out of ranks, lighting a cigarette in formation, etc. She is so wound up in her self-importance that she's clueless of her situation and where she is for a long time. All of that plays for more humor. And, even considering that this was 10 years after the WACs had been formed and served in WW II, the handling of McBain by the WAC staff seems awfully reserved.

Well, that's all for the better comedy when who else should be at Fort Lee but ex-husband, Andrew McBain. He is conducting equipment tests for the Army. McBain has declined the offer of a field-grade commission, choosing instead to work for and with the Army in his civilian capacity. When he needs half a dozen women for special duty with the tests, he picks Jo as one of them.

This isn't a comedy of witty dialog, or antics. It's strictly situational humor. Rosalind Russell plays a part that has some physical workouts and otherwise humiliating scenes. While she wasn't among the glamorous group in Hollywood, she was a very talented woman of beauty and character who could play superb comedy, drama, mystery and anything in between and beyond.

The supporting cast are all very good. The best of these are Marie Wilson as Clara Schneiderman (aka, Danger O'Dowd), William Ching as Jo's fiancé, Lt. Col. Sky Fairchild, and Leif Erickson who plays Master Sgt. Norbert Jackson. The production quality is lacking. The screenplay could have been better, and the camera work wasn't well planned and carried out.

But, one can and should put all that aside and watch this film just for the fun of the sterling performance by Rosalind Russell. There are no great hilarious lines or antics, but lots of scenes that are sure to bring chuckles.

Here are some favorite lines from this film.

Lily Mae Gorham, "Your father wanted to invite senators Cullen and Clark, but I said 'no,' they're investigating each other."

Sen. Holbrook, "So the senator had the floor three hours, eh. What was he speaking about?" Sen. Tom Reynolds, Jo McBain's father, "He didn't say."

Andrew McBain, "Doesn't it strike you as rather symbolic that the Japanese beetles are destroying our elm trees?" Jo McBain, "Yes, since our marriage fell apart at the same time."

Jo McBain, "Oh, now father, I'm not greedy - you know that. I don't mind starting as a major or captain and working my way up on my own merits". Sen. Tom Reynolds, "Why, there's no telling - you might be the first woman general... even president." Jo McBain, 'Oh, I'll let you be president first."

Sergeant interviewer (Norma Busse), "Do you speak any languages fluently?" Clara Schneiderman, "Yes, ma'am - English."

Sgt. Taylor, "And now, what would you like to do?" Jo McBain, "I'd like to murder my father."

Col. Colfax (Alan Frank, uncredited), "When are you gonna talk this guy back into uniform so I can order him around?"

Clara Schneiderman, "I'm being watched." Jo McBain, "Look, Schneiderman, you better ease into this spying business gradually - mustn't' overdo, you know."