the striking thing about "The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell" is how completely it neglects the humorous possibilities of film," although he found enough good in the tight storytelling, Frank Tashlin's directing and Mako's performance to award two-and-a half stars. Variety said it was "okay, but crudely plotted" and "routinely directed."
What makes "The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell" noteworthy is its unexpected omission of comedic opportunities, despite appreciating its concise narrative, Frank Tashlin's direction, and Mako's performance enough to justify a two-and-a-half-star rating from Variety.