Calling All Tars 1936
Step aboard the comedic time-machine with Lloyd French's zany 1936 short "Calling All Tars," where Bob Hope and John Berkes swap suits for sailor stripes in search of ship-shape romance.
Director: Lloyd French
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Calling All Tars (1936) about?
Bob Hope and John Berkes dress as sailors to impress local women, only to be mistaken for real seamen by both admirers and the Navy's shore patrol, leading to a madcap chase back to active duty. The 18-minute short thrives on rapid-fire gags and double-takes rather than intricate plotting.
Who directed Calling All Tars?
Lloyd French directed this early comedy short, showcasing his skill for visual humor and fast-paced timing.
Who stars in Calling All Tars?
The film features comedy legends Bob Hope and John Berkes, joined by Oscar Ragland and Paul Douglas in supporting roles.
Is Calling All Tars (1936) worth watching?
Though unrated by IMDb, this vintage comedy short offers a delightful snapshot of 1930s humor and the rising talents of Hope and Berkes. Fans of quick-witted, lighthearted fare will find its nautical nonsense a charming diversion worth their time.
How long is Calling All Tars?
Calling All Tars (1936) runs for 18 minutes, perfect for a bite-sized dose of vintage laughs.
About Calling All Tars (1936) — Bob Hope's 1930s Navy farce sets sail for pure comedy gold
Step aboard the comedic time-machine with Lloyd French's zany 1936 short "Calling All Tars," where Bob Hope and John Berkes swap suits for sailor stripes in search of ship-shape romance. The duo's slapstick antics begin when their impromptu uniform swap convinces a batch of eager admirers they're real bluejackets, but the joke's on them when the shore patrol mistakes the same costumes for genuine naval attire and hauls both men back to duty aboard a Navy cruiser. Through a series of rapid-fire gags and exaggerated physical humor, French crafts a lightweight yet infectious atmosphere that showcases Hope's signature wisecracks and Berkes' nimble mugging, all wrapped in the breezy energy of pre-Code comedy. Though plot is thin, the short's real treasure is the chance to see two soon-to-be legends trade barbs and bumps with effortless rapport.
Despite its modest eighteen-minute runtime, "Calling All Tars (1936)" delivers outsized laughs thanks to the director's knack for blending mistaken-identity chaos with the rowdy charm of 1930s shorts. The film's coastal setting and naval misadventures evoke the playful spirit of screwball seafaring tales, while the pair's comic chemistry ensures every pratfall and punchline lands with vintage flair.