Don't Go Near the Water

In 1945, a Navy public relations unit stationed in Florida struggles to avoid deployment overseas by inventing elaborate publicity stunts. Lieutenant J.G. Ross, the unit's commander, and his men devise increasingly absurd schemes to keep themselves busy and out of harm's way. Their efforts escalate, involving a fake invasion and a search for a mythical sea monster, all while navigating personal relationships and the looming threat of actual combat.

Don't Go Near the Water was a moderately successful comedy, praised for its lighthearted approach to wartime bureaucracy and its ensemble cast. While not considered a groundbreaking film, it provided escapist entertainment for audiences and was generally well-received for its humor and star power.

• Praised for its amusing depiction of military inefficiency and paper-pushing.

• The film's humor is derived from the characters' attempts to avoid actual duty.

• A light and breezy comedy with a capable cast.

Google audience: Audience reception data for this film is not readily available through Google Reviews.

The film was loosely based on the novel of the same name by William Brinkley, which itself was inspired by the author's experiences in the Navy during World War II.