Is Tell It to the Marines Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1926)

📖 The Core Premise

Tell It to the Marines returns to the screen in 1926, bringing a fresh narrative to the Action, Comedy, Drama genre. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "U.S. Marine Sergeant O'Hara has his hands full training raw recruits, one of whom, 'Skeets' Burns, is a particular thorn in his side. If Burns's lackadaisical approach to the military were not bad enough, he also makes advances on nurse Nora Dale, whom Sergeant O'Hara secretly loves. Nora is oblivious to O'Hara's feelings and is attracted to the handsome 'Skeet.' But an indiscretion turns her against him, and it takes an expedition to China and a battle with a warlord's bandit brigade to sort things out among the nurse and her two Marines."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Lon Chaney does well with the material given, though the script occasionally limits their range. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Action. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Tell It to the Marines worth your time? If you appreciate Action, Comedy, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Tell It to the Marines is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 103 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.