Part of Neil Simon's Eugene trilogy, Biloxi Blues centers on the experiences of a young army recruit, Eugene Morris Jerome, during World War II. At basic training in Biloxi, Mississippi, Eugene is determined to use his army experiences to help his writing career and keeps detailed memoirs about his experiences. Eugene and his fellow soldiers-in-training suffer under a hard-nosed drill sergeant, Merwin J. Toomey; attempt to stomach the terrible army food served up in the mess hall; and bond over an adventure to visit the local prostitute. Along the way, Eugene is forced to learn about authority, danger, sex, assimilation, bigotry, homosexuality, and love. In the process, he discovers that life can be both ugly and tender.
This semi-autobiographical comedy has been termed by Frank Rich, "Mr. Simon's first serious attempt to examine his conscience as an artist and a Jew."
Biloxi Blues guide sections
