Anchors Aweigh
When the dance sequence with Gene Kelly and Jerry Mouse was screened for MGM executives, someone noticed that, although Gene Kelly's reflection shone on the floor during his dancing, Jerry's did not. This required animators William Hanna, Joseph Barbera, and their team to go back and draw Jerry's reflection on the floor as he was dancing.,The factual mistake about Joe's rating chevrons was incorrectly entered as a goof. The Gunner's Mate rating badge, among some others, was worn on the right sleeve until April 2, 1949.,Jerry Mouse: Look at me, I'm dancing.,[in some versions, after the end credits]

TO FAMILIES AND FRIENDS OF SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN:

Pictures exhibited in this theatre are given to the armed forces for showing in combat areas around the world.

WAR ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE MOTION PICTURE INDUSTRY,Edited into American Masters: Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer (2002),Anchors Aweigh
(1906) (uncredited)
Music by Charles A. Zimmerman
Played off-screen during the opening credits
Played by a Navy Band conducted by José Iturbi,What surprises me here is how good Sinatra is. He's certainly playing against his later cock-sure image. No king of the walk here. Instead his Clarence (note the name) is likable but chock-full of self-doubt. And he's very good at being shy, retiring, and charming in a boyish way. It's a Sinatra as I've never seen him. On the other hand, there's the boldly self-assured Joe (Kelly) who dominates, as the two sailors try to get a big-time audition for the winsome Susan (Grayson). Somehow, however, they can't reach big-time impresario Jose Iturbi. But they and we have a good time trying.

Along the way, Kelly gets his legendary dance with cartoon mouse Jerry of Tom & Jerry, looking like it came right out of the Land of Oz. Then too, I like his really charming number with the little Mexican girl (McManus). Overall, however, it's the elaborate sets, glossy Technicolor, and sparkling personalities that shine. Frankly, I thought the musical selections were entertaining but nothing memorable. Also the storyline meanders a bit too much, particularly near the end. Note too how classical numbers are worked into the selections, quite typical for that time. I guess producers wanted to broaden the musical appeal, and lend a touch of 'class'.

All in all, the movie's MGM at it's glossy best. And though a bit overlong, the results still fit the classic bill, along with the perfect pairing of the two male leads.,