Hap's gay stereotype and Buster Crabbe in drag

When Hap is trying to lure the soldiers away midway during the forest scenes, he uses an unfortunate gay stereotype voice("Oh, boys) and a limp wrist gesture. Back in the 30's it might have been funny to the boys in the audience, but today it is painfully unfunny.

When I was working for the Navy in the 70's a friend of mine told me he was in a California bar during WWII when a drag queen came, ordered a drink and left. Harry said the bartender asked him if he knew who that was. "That was Buster Crabbe." Can such things be?