Watch Three Sons o' Guns For Free

Must See Movie...

Memorable, crazy movie

Unshakable, witty and deeply felt, the film will be paying emotional dividends for a long, long time.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

In the months preceding the December 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, the United States was already girding for possible involvement in World War II, and it began drafting young men into the military. Motion picture companies were doing their part to support preparedness, making movies that emphasized patriotism, the threat from abroad, and the need for men to answer the call. But America was still officially at peace, so the message was often subtle.The classic draft-related movie from this period is "Sergeant York." As every film fan knows, it's a fact-based story about a devout pacifist who initially resists taking up arms but then becomes a hero in combat. "Three Sons o' Guns," released around the same time, is a different and far inferior film, but with the same "soft sell" approach to military duty. It's a comedy (an anemic one) about three likable brothers who dodge the draft because they've never learned a sense of responsibility.This movie looks somewhat odd today. It's a pro-draft movie, but it never mentions why a draft is necessary. It's a pro-war movie that steers clear of the subject of war. The emphasis here is on how service in uniform can turn a deadbeat into solid, dependable man. You don't get the sense that there's much danger or sacrifice involved.The plot revolves around the misadventures of the Patterson brothers -- played by Wayne Morris, Tom Brown and William T. Orr -- as they bicker, chase women and pursue outlandish career schemes while avoiding any real work. When Uncle Sam calls, they initially see no reason to change their plans. The boys' widowed mother (played by Irene Rich) is very indulgent of all their nonsense, but their hardnosed aunt (played by Marjorie Rambeau) is determined to see them in uniform. Life in the Pattersons' hectic household, with a parade of beautiful girls and certifiable oddballs, is faintly reminiscent of "You Can't Take It With You," but without the laughs. While "Three Sons o' Guns" is lighthearted and even strangely innocent, its attempts at humor misfire. Its real value is as a historical curiosity.Speaking of history, all three of the "draft dodgers" in this movie eventually served in World War II. While William T. Orr was assigned to a Stateside film unit, Tom Brown and Wayne Morris saw considerable combat. Morris, a Navy air ace in the Pacific, wound up as one of Hollywood's most celebrated real-life heroes of the 1940s.

Women has three (3) adorable Baby-Boys, then becomes a Widow. Her Sister in Law helps her raise them, but they do not get the results expected. Instead they get a triplet of alleged Men, who act like irresponsible spoiled Children. Treating their Mother not with love and respect, but as another housemaid and somebody to put a touch on. Will they grow-up and meet their responsibilities to Mother and Country, watch and find out.'B' film from Warner Brothers features good cast. Irene Rich (Mother), Marjorie Rambeau (Sister in Law) and Moroni Olsen (Mothers Suitor) with Wayne Morris, William T. Orr and Tom Brown as the loser Sons. They all fulfill what is expected of them and Warner Brothers delivers a fine small film for Family viewing. Not a classic, but illustrates what the studio system did right. Made just before our entry into the BIG ONE (WWII) it is topical for the time. One other cast member, though underused does make a impression, Susan Peters. Who would go on to a successful, if brief career at M.G.M.

I didn't mean for that summary to sound as bad as it did, because I like these "little" films that are filled with people that only a movie buff would know.This is a very good film, at least to me it was, it wasn't "Citizen Kane" or "Gone With the Wind", but then what movie is?The plot is about three brothers who try to avoid the draft and how they go about doing so, or at least trying to.Marjorie Rambeau is just wonderful as the aunt and Wayne Morris, William Orr and Tom Brown are also very good as the three sons.