Fridays Are For Frank: “I Begged Her” (feat. Gene Kelly) — from “Anchors Aweigh”

It’s Fleet Week. If you didn’t know already, we all know now—thanks to the thunderous roar of jets across the NYC Skyline Friday afternoon.

Frank Sinatra was 4-F, on account of his perforated eardrum, and did not serve in the military during World War II. Over the years, critics grilled Frank’s exemption status—even accusing Sinatra of paying $40,000 to avoid service. Those accusations were found to be completely without merit.

Frank was, however, extremely active with the USO and supportive of the war effort. He also made a number of films in uniform—perhaps most notable being his Oscar-winning performance in From Here to Eternity.

In honor of our men and women in uniform, this week’s selection comes from Anchors Aweigh (1945), where he cuts a rug with co-star Gene Kelly.