The Singing Marine (1937)

Bob Brent (Dick Powell) recruit from Arkansas is a marine who is shy, reserved and modest. Despite these handicaps, he is a big help to his corps buddies. On moonlit nights and sun-kissed days, he croons for the "girls", who fall for the singing and, in turn, also for the marines. Bob's own heart interest is a beautiful blonde cashier, Peggy Randall (Doris Weston), in a restaurant he patronizes but he is too shy and bashful to tell her. In order to show their appreciation, his buddies take up a collection among themselves to send the bashful Bob to New York City to appear on the popular "Amateur Hour" radio program. broadcast over a national hook-up. He wins First Place. In no time at all, he is besieged by agents and sponsors, is signed for profession engagements, and becomes America's Idol of the Air Waves, making big money and at the height of his glory and popularity as a radio star. He also has gained a highly-developed ego. But he still belongs to the Marine Corps and is shipped to Shanghai. Where, in time, his buddies welcome him again after he has redeemed himself. As does his cashier heart-throb.