SON OF THE NAVY (1940) Jean Parker, James Dunn & Martin Spellman | Comedy, Drama | B&W

Son of the Navy, also known as The Young Recruit in the United States, is a 1940 American comedy-drama film directed by William Nigh and starring Jean Parker, James Dunn, and Martin Spellman.

SYNOPSIS
A sailor named Chief Gunners Mate Mike Malone is hitchhiking to the Naval Base San Diego to catch his battleship, the USS Florida. Along the way, he encounters Tommy, a runaway orphan accompanied by his Cairn terrier named Terry. Tommy schemes to hitch a ride to the base with Mike, pretending that Mike is his father to avoid being discovered as a runaway.

Their plan works initially, but complications arise when Tommy meets Steve Moore, the daughter of a Chief Petty Officer. Tommy convinces Steve that Mike is his father, which leads to misunderstandings and trouble for Mike with his ship's captain and fellow petty officers.

Meanwhile, the boy and his dog continue their journey, hoping to find a mother and father. Eventually, the truth unfolds as Mike attempts to contact the orphanage to adopt Tommy but is unable to due to his single status and active duty. Similarly, a single woman who picks up Tommy and Mike on their journey is also told she cannot adopt him.

In a turn of events, the woman, who had previously sworn off sailors and was engaged to a businessman, decides to marry Mike. They adopt Tommy and Terry, becoming a family. The film concludes with Mike sailing off to Florida with his shipmates, while the newly formed family bids him farewell at the port.

CAST & CREW
Jean Parker (actress) as Stevie Moore
James Dunn as Chief Gunners Mate Mike Malone
Martin Spellman as Tommy
Terry as Terry
Selmer Jackson as Capt. Parker
William Royle as Chief Moore
Sarah Padden as Mrs. Baker, Landlady
Craig Reynolds as Brad Wheeler
Dave O'Brien as Chief Machinist's Mate
Gene Morgan as Burns
Charles King as Duke Johnson

Directed by: William Nigh
Written by: True Boardman (story), Grover Jones (story), Marion Orth (screenplay), George Waggner (screenplay)
Produced by: Scott R. Dunlap (producer), Grant Withers (associate producer)
Cinematography: Harry Neumann
Edited by: Russell F. Schoengarth
Music by: Edward J. Kay
Production Company: Monogram Pictures
Release Date: March 30, 1940
Running Time: 72 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English