This will never be considered the original version of "An Officer and a Gentleman". It has a nice start setting up the two characters played by Tom Neal and Bruce Bennett, quick rivals at officer training school because of Neal's arrogance and Bennett's determination to stick to the books. The truth is, the two characters are like oil and water and they would not get along anywhere under any circumstance. A rivalry for Evelyn Keyes doesn't make the situation any easier.
Hugh Beaumont as the lieutenant in charge of their barracks is a tough, no-nonsense character, a far cry from his sitcom role on "Leave It to Beaver". This works best as a slice of military life drama, showing the educational paths they must follow, how the skills of each of the candidates guide their career futures, and how the strain can make or break an officer candidate. Neal's arrogant character isn't a character you'll easily root for, and his sudden change in attitude doesn't come without some doubt.
Hugh Beaumont as the lieutenant in charge of their barracks is a tough, no-nonsense character, a far cry from his sitcom role on "Leave It to Beaver". This works best as a slice of military life drama, showing the educational paths they must follow, how the skills of each of the candidates guide their career futures, and how the strain can make or break an officer candidate. Neal's arrogant character isn't a character you'll easily root for, and his sudden change in attitude doesn't come without some doubt.