Tell It to the Marines

Tell It to the Marines

Directed by George W. Hill

Produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

1926103 min6.5 / 10

A lighthearted silent-era military comedy-drama that balances romantic rivalry and boot-camp hijinks with action sequences, ultimately resolving through adventure and redemption.

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.

Questions people ask

  • Does Tell It to the Marines end with hope? Yes. More hopeful than 81% of films.

  • Is Tell It to the Marines easy watching? Yes. More comforting than 77% of films.

  • Is Tell It to the Marines scary? Barely. Less frightening than 76% of films.

  • Is Tell It to the Marines sad? Not especially. Less sad than 73% of films.

  • Is Tell It to the Marines violent? Somewhat. More violent than 59% of films.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

47/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

Familiar shape, done well.

Rarity31

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise68

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love45

How much audiences actually like it

The highest scores in the catalogue →

Ensemble

Like Tell It to the Marines

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Tell It to the Marines

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Tell It to the Marines, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Tell It to the Marines, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Tell It to the Marines, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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