Here Come the Waves 1944

Opening naval scenes and the Allison Twins perform

The film opens with naval scenes accompanied by a chorus singing 'The Navy Song' on stage. The Allison Twins perform the same song in a nightclub, highlighting their identical looks but contrasting personalities: Susie is brash and scatter-brained, while Rosemary is serious and reliable. The contrast sets up the sisters’ different paths as the story unfolds.

Sisters join the WAVES

They leave their night club job to join the WAVES, with Susie showing strong reluctance due to her romantic fixation on Johnny Cabot. Susie is infatuated with the popular singer, which colors her judgment about enlistment. Rosemary remains supportive but is more practical about the Navy life.

Susie retreats to Johnny's record

Susie locks herself in the barracks washroom and plays Johnny Cabot's record 'Moonlight Becomes You' to feel connected to him. She clings to the idea that meeting him could still happen despite joining the WAVES. This moment foreshadows her eventual actions to influence Johnny's career.

Backstage meeting and recruitment talk

Backstage, Johnny meets an old Navy friend, Windy Smith, who has joined the service. Johnny explains his own application was blocked by color blindness, and together they reminisce as the show goes on. They also visit the 21 Club, where Windy reintroduces Johnny to the twins.

Johnny is accepted into the Navy

Johnny is finally accepted into the Navy and begins training, hoping for assignment to the U.S.S. Douglas, the ship his father served on. Rosemary's feelings intensify as Johnny gains popularity and attention from others. Johnny remains focused on proving himself in the navy.

Susie's recruitment show submission

Susie submits a recruitment show proposal and signs it with Johnny's name to help WAVES recruitment. The plan is accepted and Johnny is appointed Chief Specialist in charge of the show. Johnny believes Windy authored the signature, so he selects Windy as his assistant.

Johnny's show aboard the Traverse Bay

A show is staged aboard the U.S.S. Traverse Bay with Johnny performing as an old postman and Windy as a commissionaire, both in black-face, leading a chorus of WAVES. They perform 'Ac-Cent-Tchu-Ate the Positive' with the WAVES joining in.

Rosemary questions the handwriting

When Rosemary learns of Johnny's show suggestion, she suspects it is not his handwriting and fears he is avoiding active service. Johnny tries to show the written note, but Susie secures it from him.

Disguise and deception

Windy convinces Susie to dress as Rosemary, don a dark wig, and she drinks from a spirits flask while being seen kissing Windy to create a false impression. The ruse is meant to mislead Johnny about Rosemary's affections.

The big show and Johnny's departure note

During the big show, Susie and other WAVES stage a sketch 'If WAVES Acted Like Sailors', with Susie singing 'There's a Fella Waiting in Poughkeepsie' while Johnny and Windy join in at the end. Discouraged, Johnny drafts a note and leaves the stage, moving toward the door.

Revelation and reconciliation

Windy explains the circumstances to Rosemary, clearing up the deception. Susie confesses to Johnny that she sent in the signature, and he returns to the show to duet with Rosemary on 'I Promise You'.