Buck Privates is a 1941 American musical military comedy film directed by Arthur Lubin that turned Bud Abbott and Lou Costello into bona fide movie stars.

Tensions between the two men escalate further with the introduction of Judy Gray, a camp hostess and a friend of Bob's upon whom Randolph sets his sights.

For all the difficulties, camp life isn't so bad, since The Andrews Sisters appear at regular intervals to sing sentimental or patriotic tunes (including "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy") and Herbie continues to foul up with little consequence.

However, during a war game exercise, Randolph redeems himself by saving Bob and coming up with a ruse to win the sham battle for his company.

The "cast of characters" credits, after the end title, were filmed before the emphasis was shifted to Abbott and Costello, so Lee Bowman was billed first, as originally intended.

The "drill routine", where Smitty tries to get Herbie and other soldiers to march in formation, had been performed by Abbott and Costello on stage for more than three years,[4] where it lasted about two-and-a-half minutes.

Abbott and Costello were amazed when they saw the scene on film; they were so accustomed to the shorter, two-minute sketch that they couldn't believe how cleverly it had been amplified.

"[5] Universal had already sold Buck Privates to exhibitors as a low-priced "B" feature, rented to theaters for a flat fee instead of a percentage of the ticket sales.

This became an embarrassing mistake when the film went on to become Universal's biggest moneymaker of the year, grossing over $4 million at the box office at a time when movie tickets averaged 25 cents.

Universal began promoting Abbott and Costello as a major attraction, and from then on sold their films as "A" features commanding higher prices and profits.

Universal gave director Lubin, who was under contract at a fixed salary, a $5,000 bonus and told him to start on another film, Hold That Ghost.

"[6] The reviewer for Variety wrote: "Geared at a zippy pace, and providing lusty and enthusiastic comedy of the broadest slapstick, Buck Privates is a hilarious laugh concoction that will click solidly in the general runs for profitable biz.

"[7] Film Daily enthused: "If ever a 'sleeper' appeared out of Hollywood, this is it ... the attraction is a grand, madcap musical which packs a whale of a wallop for the general public liking laughs galore on the frankly slapstick side.

The Andrews Sisters perform four songs in the film: "You're a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith", "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy", "Bounce Me Brother, With a Solid Four", and "(I'll Be With You) In Apple Blossom Time".

Many dancers from Los Angeles, including Dean Collins, Jewel McGowan, Ray Hirsch, and Patty Lacey, are featured.