Even in 1937, the story of Navy Blue and Gold was not exactly fresh; in the decades since then, it has become downright clichéd. As such, there's little to the basic plot that is going to engage most viewers today. We know the character types, we know the complications that the plot will throw at them, and we know more or less how they will triumph in the end. We even know how things are going to turn out with the ailing Captain whose health seems to depend upon a victory over Army in the big football game. Fortunately, Navy has Robert Young and Jimmy Stewart, as well as Lionel Barrymore, around to keep us interested when the script fails. (It also has Tom Brown as the third young cadet, but Brown is merely pleasant, not memorable.) Young could play this kind of role in his sleep, but he brings conviction to the part and pulls a few small acting surprises to keep us interested. Stewart, early in his career here, is great fun to watch, as sincere and honorable as one could wish but with a certain hint of rawness that makes him all the more watchable. And, of course, no one could play Lionel Barrymore better than Lionel Barrymore. Throw in some fine support in small roles and let director Sam Wood take advantage of his predilection for sports and for heightened drama, and the result is a film with a trite story that still can be recommended.