Buck Privates (1941): Cast & Plot
Buck Privates is a 1941 war comedy directed by Arthur Lubin, starring Bud Abbott as Slicker Smith, Lou Costello and Pat Costello. It runs 1 hour 24 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 24m (84 min)
- Director
- Arthur Lubin
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Universal Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Buck Privates About?
The premise of Buck Privates without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Petty con artists Slicker Smith and Herbie Brown accidentally enlist in the Army to dodge police, only to discover that the pursuing cop becomes their drill instructor. Meanwhile, a wealthy young heir and his former working‑class chauffeur end up in the same unit, both competing for the affections of the same attractive girl.
Buck Privates Themes & Keywords
· 26 tags- father son relationship
- boxing
- blockbuster
- uso united service organization
- police
- military propaganda
- slapstick comedy
- buddy comedy
- basic training
- caught in the draft
- u.s. army
- dance contest
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- pre world war two
- target practice
- medical examination
- military drill
- stage
- draft board
- military
- military post
- military draft
- romantic rivalry
- mother son relationship
- transformation
- military life
- military maneuver
Buck Privates Cast & Characters
Bud Abbott leads the cast as Slicker Smith, with Lou Costello as Herbie Brown and Pat Costello as Recruit Who Slugs Herbie (uncredited). Directed by Arthur Lubin; 68 actors are credited in all.
- Director Arthur Lubin
- Bud Abbott as Slicker Smith
- Lou Costello as Herbie Brown
- Pat Costello as Recruit Who Slugs Herbie (uncredited)
-
Lee Bowman as Randolph Parker III
Also Starring in Buck Privates
· 64 more- Douglas Wood Randolph Parker II (uncredited)
- Nella Walker Mrs. Parker II
- Alan Curtis Bob Martin
- Jane Frazee Judy Gray
- Nat Pendleton Sgt. Michael Collins
- Harry Strang Sgt. Callahan
- Kenne Duncan Sergeant on Sidewalk with Sgt. Collins (uncredited)
- Frank Penny Sgt. Marks (uncredited)
- Jean Brooks Camp Hostess
- Laverne Andrews Laverne Andrews
- Patty Andrews Patty Andrews
- Maxene Andrews Maxene Andrews
- Franklyn Farnum Officer (uncredited)
- James Flavin Recruiting Sergeant (uncredited)
- Selmer Jackson Capt. Johnson (uncredited)
- Stanley Blystone Recruiting Sergeant (uncredited)
Show all 68 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Shemp Howard Chef
- Harold Goodwin Sergeant Leading Recruits Through Train Station (uncredited)
- George Magrill Patrol Car Driver (uncredited)
- Samuel S. Hinds Maj. Gen. Emerson
- Charles Coleman Edmunds (uncredited)
- Jack Mulhall Medical Examiner (uncredited)
- Carleton Young Supply Sergeant (uncredited)
- Bob Reeves Conductor (uncredited)
- William Gould Recruiting Major (uncredited)
- Tom Coleman Army Officer (uncredited)
- Jack Perrin Conductor (uncredited)
- Eddie Hall Craps Player on Train (uncredited)
- John Butler Supply Sergeant (uncredited)
- Franklin D. Roosevelt President Roosevelt (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Tom Tyler Boxing Match Ring Announcer (uncredited)
- John Cason Fighter (uncredited)
- Dora Clement Miss Durling - Camp Hostess
- George Hoagland Fight Spectator (uncredited)
- J. Anthony Hughes Capt. Williams (uncredited)
- William Hall Corporal (uncredited)
- Jimmie Lucas Corporal (uncredited)
- Nell O'Day Camp Hostess (uncredited)
- Janet Warren Camp Hostess
- Frankie Van Second at Boxing Match (uncredited)
- Lyle Moraine Lt. Poole (uncredited)
- Stanley Smith Corporal (uncredited)
- Will Morgan Lieutenant (uncredited)
- Robert Wayne Lieutenant (uncredited)
- Dean Collins Dancer (uncredited)
- Kay Leslie Camp Hostess
- Buddy Harris Train Porter (uncredited)
- Jewel McGowan Dancer (uncredited)
- Tom Reed Lieutenant (uncredited)
- M.J. Frankovich Announcer
- Leonard Elliott Henry
- Lloyd Ford Fighter (uncredited)
- Frankie Grandetta Pvt. Maguire - Small Boxer (uncredited)
- Bud Mercer Cadet (uncredited)
- Frank Cook Harmonica and Guitar Player (uncredited)
- Nina Orla Camp Hostess
- Dorothy Darrell Camp Hostess
- Al Billings Tough Fighter - Maguire's Replacement (uncredited)
- Charles King Jr. Cadet (uncredited)
- Frankie Dolan Fighter (uncredited)
- Jerome Harte Corporal (uncredited)
- Don Raye Dick Burnette (uncredited)
- Henry L. Stimson Secretary of State (archive footage) (uncredited)
- Hugh Prince Henry (uncredited)
Buck Privates Plot Summary
What happens in Buck Privates from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Slicker Smith and Herbie Brown are sidewalk peddlers who hawk neckties from a suitcase. Chased by a cop, they duck into a movie theater, not realizing that it is now being used as an Army enlistment center. Believing that they are signing up for theater prizes, they accidentally enlist.
Meanwhile, spoiled playboy Randolph Parker III and his long-suffering valet, Bob Martin, also report to the theater. Randolph expects his influential father to pull strings so he can dodge military service, while Bob, practical and unflustered, takes his obligations in stride. Tensions between the two men rise further with the introduction of Judy Gray, a camp hostess and Bob’s friend, whom Randolph targets.
Full summary
The whole story of Buck Privates, scene by scene
Buck Privates Videos
The featurette of Buck Privates.
How Well Do You Know Buck Privates?
9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 9
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
What are the names of the two sidewalk peddlers who sell neckties?
Cars in Buck Privates
5 cars on screen, including the 1936 Ford V8 Standard and the 1934 Packard Twelve.
-
1936 Ford V8 Standard Important role -
1934 Packard Twelve Important role -
Rock Island Arsenal M2A2 Light Tank Minor role -
Rock Island Arsenal M2 Medium Tank Background role
Buck Privates Also Known As
13 alternative titles, including “Abbott and Costello Buck Privates Come Home” and “Deux nigauds soldats”.
- Also known as
-
- Abbott and Costello Buck Privates Come Home
- Deux nigauds soldats
- Војни регрути
- Ordinário
- Marche!
- Abbott y Costello: Reclutas en apuros
- 列兵巴克
- Gianni e Pinotto reclute
- Рядовые
- Abbott i Costello Szeregowcy
- Reclutas
- Рядові
+1 more Show fewer
- Kompaniets olycksfåglar
Seen Buck Privates?
Movies Like Buck Privates
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Private Buckaroo, Buck Privates Come Home and See Here, Private Hargrove.
Buck Privates FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Buck Privates, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Buck Privates?
Buck Privates runs 1 hour 24 minutes (84 minutes).
When was Buck Privates released?
Buck Privates was released on January 31, 1941.
Who directed Buck Privates?
Buck Privates was directed by Arthur Lubin.
More films by Arthur Lubin Who is in the cast of Buck Privates?
Buck Privates stars Bud Abbott as Slicker Smith, Lou Costello as Herbie Brown and Pat Costello as Recruit Who Slugs Herbie (uncredited), among 68 credited actors.
Does Buck Privates have a post-credit scene?
No. Buck Privates has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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