Four Jills in a Jeep (1944)

Four Jills in a Jeep probably shouldn’t be as entertaining as it is. After all, there’s nothing to the story really, which is hardly anything more than a framework that allows the members of the cast a chance to do their various things. The songs are pleasing, of course, but most are pulled from hither and yon rather than being a score written especially for this particular film. And although there are some bona fide big stars among the "guests," the leads are either past their screen prime (Kay Frances) or never really top drawer screen stars (Martha Raye, et al). Yet Jills is a heap of fun, in spite of itself. The plot is nonsense, but the routines are quite engaging, whether they’re Phil Silvers doing his usual Phil Silvers routine or Alice Faye doing quite right once again by "You’ll Never Know" or the always enjoyable Carmen Miranda "I Yi Yi Yi"-ing her way across the screen. And even if they’re not in a league with guest star Betty Garble, Francis, Raye, Carole Landis, and Mitzi Mayfair as a group generate a lot of good will. Check your critical ego at the door, and these Four Jills in a Jeep can show you a good time, Charlie.

1944, B&W, 89 minutes