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."
A notable characteristic of "The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell" is its neglect of the humorous elements in filmmaking, while still recognizing the film's compact storytelling, Frank Tashlin's direction, and Mako's performance as positive aspects.