Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows Shop News Showtimes

Tell It to the Marines

1926 1h 37m Comedy List
Tomatometer 2 Reviews 60% Popcornmeter 50+ Ratings
Sgt. O'Hara (Lon Chaney) is an upstanding officer in the United States Marines. A seasoned leader, O'Hara's patience is tested by the new recruits in his ranks, most notably the trouble-making Pvt. George "Skeet" Burns (William Haines). As O'Hara struggles to keep Burns in line while stationed in the Philippines, the two vie for the affections of beautiful nurse Norma Dale (Eleanor Boardman). Adding to the drama is a conflict with thugs commanded by a Chinese warlord.

Where to Watch

Tell It to the Marines

Critics Reviews

View All (2) Critics Reviews
Robert E. Sherwood LIFE After Tell It to the Marines, there can be no further doubt of the fact that Lon Chaney is an extraordinary actor. Oct 5, 2021 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Dated romantic, comedy and adventure tale that was popular during its release but when viewed today seems just to be silly. Rated: C Jun 3, 2011 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (5) audience reviews
Audience Member A silent film it was the biggest commercial success of Lon Chaney's career. It follows a Marine recruit and the sergeant who trains him. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member Okay, it's not the best film, nor the funniest, nor the one with the most drama or action. It is however, a good film. In it, William Haines is trying to use the Marines to pay for his trip to the 'Tia Juana' (Tijuana) horse races. Howver, Sergeant O'Hara, played by Lon Chaney, manages to get him to enlist. For four years they go though many adventures, and along the way Haines' character even falls in love with the same nurse (played by Eleanor Boardman) that O'Hara is in attracted to. Okay, some of the dialogue is a little dated, and the acting occasionally goes over the top. However, some of the words seem like they were written today, and I could feel the emotions the actors tried to display. I kept laughing and commenting all the way through the movie like the good comedies today sometimes do. It's a good film, even though not the best. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Though this movie actually stars William Haines, it's fun seeing Lon Chaney as a hero without makeup. For the most part, it's a romantic comedy with the two competing for Eleanor Boardman's affections. Not a classic but a fun pic from the twenties. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/17/23 Full Review Audience Member A movie that will live in your head forever! Tell It To the Marines is an outstanding romance, comedy, war film, and drama. It is silent but that does not stop the power that comew with it. The plot is incredible and the acting (specifically Lon Chaney) is amazing. Anybody with a heart and a brain will love this movie. "I think i'll join the Marine Corps" is what you'll be thinking after watching this. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member good lon chaney rah rah need i say more? Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Tell It to the Marines

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW

Cast & Crew

Show Less Cast & Crew Show More Cast & Crew
View All Tell It to the Marines photos

Tell It to the Marines

Tell It to the Marines (1926) Tell It to the Marines (1926) Tell It to the Marines (1926) Tell It to the Marines (1926) Tell It to the Marines (1926) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Sgt. O'Hara (Lon Chaney) is an upstanding officer in the United States Marines. A seasoned leader, O'Hara's patience is tested by the new recruits in his ranks, most notably the trouble-making Pvt. George "Skeet" Burns (William Haines). As O'Hara struggles to keep Burns in line while stationed in the Philippines, the two vie for the affections of beautiful nurse Norma Dale (Eleanor Boardman). Adding to the drama is a conflict with thugs commanded by a Chinese warlord.
Director
George W. Hill
Producer
George W. Hill
Screenwriter
Richard Schayer
Production Co
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Genre
Comedy
Release Date (Streaming)
Jan 11, 2017
Runtime
1h 37m
Most Popular at Home Now