AllMovie

Forget about plot and chances are you'll enjoy Ship Ahoy, a frothy but incredibly empty little musical. While definitely a lesser entry from the masters at MGM, Ahoy has moderate entertainment value thanks to the magnetism and charm of its stars. Indeed, this is definitely a film where the cast really is the picture, for the story is simply an excuse for musical numbers and comedy bits; it's the kind of screenplay that was put together rather than written (and put together haphazardly, at that). Much of the comedy (or comedic style) has dated, and the score is pleasant and hummable rather than shimmering and thrilling, but the on-screen talent pulls out all the stops to keep things interesting. Chief among the film's assets is delightful Eleanor Powell, in fine voice and absolutely sensational terpsichorean shape. Those legendary gams and her uncountable taps dance up a storm of excitement that is simply riveting. Red Skelton's humor may have lost something down through the years, but he's still good for some laughs; even better are Bert Lahr, turning in a sidesplitting turn, and Virginia O'Brien, deader of pan than ever. A very young Frank Sinatra and Jo Stafford demonstrate their vocal prowess to good effect, and Tommy Dorsey and company are first rate. And the "challenge" sequence between Powell's taps and Buddy Rich's drums is not to be believed.