Watch Don't Go Near the Water

Don't Go Near the Water is a 1957 comedy film directed by Charles Walters, starring Glenn Ford, Gia Scala, and Earl Holliman. The movie is based on the novel by William Brinkley, which follows the story of the US Navy during the Second World War. Set in the Pacific area during the war, the film is a satirical, lighthearted look at the men and women who served in the Navy. Ford plays Lieutenant Max Siegel, who is tasked with building a public relations center for the Navy on a small island in the South Pacific, but finds it nearly impossible to get anything accomplished.

Siegel, an ambitious and dedicated officer, is put in charge of getting the Navy's public image up to par with the other branches of the armed forces. However, he soon learns that his mission is nearly impossible. The base is understaffed and overcrowded, and the few people there are overworked, underpaid, and under-appreciated.

As Siegel struggles to complete his mission, he finds himself falling in love with Melora Alba (Scala), a beautiful native woman who is constantly drawn to him. However, Siegel's superiors believe that Melora poses a risk to the Navy's image, and they do everything they can to keep him away from her.

At the same time, Siegel's subordinate, Ensign Pulver (Holliman), is determined to find a way to get off the island and into combat. Pulver spends his time trying to ingratiate himself to Siegel, hoping that he will be able to help him get transferred to a more active part of the war.

As Siegel and Pulver navigate the politics and boredom of life on a Navy base, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including a manic-depressive surgeon, a drunken radio operator, and a group of bumbling Navy intelligence officers.

Don't Go Near the Water is a mix of comedy, romance, and satire, with a sharp eye for the absurdities of life in the military. The film is particularly notable for its portrayal of the Navy as a bureaucratic organization that is often more concerned with appearances than with the welfare of its personnel.

The film also features some great performances. Ford is excellent as the ambitious and frustrated Siegel, and he has great chemistry with Scala, who is both beautiful and charming. Holliman, meanwhile, steals the show as the irreverent and ambitious Pulver.

In addition to its strong performances, the film also benefits from its beautiful location photography. The South Pacific setting is breathtaking, and the film often lingers on shots of palm trees, blue skies, and crystal-clear water.

Overall, Don't Go Near the Water is an entertaining and enjoyable comedy that provides a unique look at life in the Navy during the Second World War. While it may not be a classic of the genre, it is certainly worth checking out for fans of Glenn Ford, Gia Scala, and classic Hollywood comedies.

Don't Go Near the Water is a 1957 adventure movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.