This mammoth musical is at base the story of two sailors on leave in Hollywood. Brash Joseph Brady (
Gene Kelly) has promised his shy pal Clarence Doolittle (
Frank Sinatra) that he will introduce Clarence to all the glamorous movie starlets whom he allegedly knows so well. Actually, the only actress whom Joseph meets is bit player Susan Abbott (
Kathryn Grayson). He arranges for the golden-throated Susan to be auditioned by musician
José Iturbi, but when she seems to want to return the favor romantically, Brady tries to foist the girl off on Clarence. But Clarence only has eyes for a fellow Brooklynite (
Pamela Britton). Also involved in the plot machinations is runaway orphan Donald Martin (
Dean Stockwell). Featuring Kelly dancing with such partners as a cartoon mouse (courtesy of MGM's house animators Bill Hanna and
Joseph Barbera), Anchors Aweigh was a huge hit in 1945, assuring audiences future
Gene Kelly/
Frank Sinatra teamings. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide