"Anchors Aweigh" is the umpteenth movie about two sailors on a furlough, Despite the hackneyed plot, however, it has more zest, vitality, and originality than the great majority of its predecessors. Although Frank Sinatra gets top billing, the film is a personal triumph for Gene Kelly.

Most sailor-on-a-furlough films re just so much bosh and lush thrown together haphazardly but hopefully. However, "Anchors Aweigh" depends on carefully sketched characters and novel variations to achieve its effects. Kelly plays a "sea-wolf" who saves his bashful buddy Clarence-(Sinatra) from drowning and then goes on to act as nurse-maid to him.

For those who dislike Sinatra, this picture is sure to be popular. The Voice's part calls for him to make a fool of himself, which he does eminently well and quite naturally. Unfortunately, he sings seven Hit Parade ditties before the movie ends.

"Anchors Aweigh" proves conclusively that Fred Astaire has been dethroned. Kelly's imaginative dance routines are the highlights of the evening. In one charming sequence, he dances with an animated partner in a Disney-like-fairyland. In another, he chooses a pig-tailed eight-year-old to step with in a delightful exhibition of his skill. Whatever he is doing, Kelly's ease, grace, and rhythm make his dancing as much a work of art as that of Anton Dolin.

The movies' master pianist, Jose Iturbi, contributes several fine plane solos and some good comedy, while Kathryn Grayson proves an attractive heroine. When the music stops, the film is devoted to skillful comedy that is both waggish and whimsical. It's the type of comedy that even Fred Allen fans would go for.

As a surprise, Sinatra does a lively dance with Kelly and then Kelly reciprocates by joining his buddy in a song. Kelly is best by far on both counts.

In view of the time-wars nature of the plot, this is the most musing and entertaining result possible. All musical tastes are satisfied with numbers ranging from Iturbi's rendition of Tschaikowsky's B. fiat minor Concerto to Sinatra's saccharine ballads. elh