WWII Comedy Films...
WWII related films with comedy and/or humour; in no particular order after 11…
[Thanks for the comment, Kelcey; I did not know that…?]
[Thanks for the comment, Kelcey; I did not know that…?]
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- DirectorTadeusz ChmielewskiStarsMarian KociniakJanina BoronskaAdam CyprianThe adventures of unlucky Polish soldier Franek Dolas during world war II. In September he escapes from Stalag and goes to France. After that he fights in Africa and Europe.Polish, comedic epic masterpiece that [arguably spanning nearly every genre of comedy] follows a Polish soldier across a great portion of the European and North African theatres of war; highly recommended for brilliantly delivered comedic content and original narrative! [available on NF, in three parts, as of 02/13]
- DirectorGabriele SalvatoresStarsDiego AbatantuonoClaudio BigagliGiuseppe CedernaIn WW2, an Italian Army unit of misfits occupies an isolated non-strategic Greek island for the duration of the war.Italian comedy on greek isle that has its dramatic and romantic moments infused with light, comedic moments; while light on action, it is highly recommended for its rich narrative and beautiful location! [somewhat difficult to find; no longer available on NF as of 02/13]
- DirectorAleksandr RogozhkinStarsAnni-Kristiina JuusoVille HaapasaloViktor BychkovIn World War II, a Finnish sniper is left chained to a rock by German soldiers, while a captain of the Red Army, en route to his court martial, is almost blown up by Russian planes. A Lapp woman gives shelter to both of them at her farm.A richly dramatic and romantic film infused with humorous moments, light on action, but beautiful production; very highly recommended! [available on BB as of 03/13; no longer available on NF as of 02/13]
- DirectorShôhei ImamuraStarsAkira EmotoKumiko AsôJacques GamblinAt the end of WWII, Japanese doctor Akagi searches for the cure for hepatitis in the prisoner-of-war camp.Heartwarming Japanese drama with comedic moments and good production values, about a doctor's wartime search for hepatitis cure [available on BB as of 03/13; no longer available on NF as of 02/13]
- DirectorRobert DayStarsTerry-ThomasGeorge SandersLionel JeffriesLegend has it that if the famous Barbary Apes leave the Rock of Gibraltar, it's a sign that the British will lose control of it. During World War II, a British officer is put in charge of the apes. When he detects that the animals' morale is slipping, he hatches a plan to go behind the German lines to "kidnap" a new ape for his charges to lift their spirits before the Germans find out about their condition and use it as propaganda.Nearly impossible to find, but well worth the effort if you do...
- DirectorBlake EdwardsStarsCary GrantTony CurtisJoan O'BrienDuring World War II, a commander finds himself stuck with a decrepit (and pink) submarine, a con man executive officer, and a group of army nurses.Great cast and script in light action film woven with comedy and romance; highly recommended. TV series spinoff in Operation Petticoat (1977).
- DirectorGérard OuryStarsBourvilLouis de FunèsClaudio BrookSeveral ordinary Frenchmen go on an epic voyage through the occupied country to the free zone as they help British pilots avoid German captivity.Hilarious French-British comedic romp of RAF crew shot down over France and attempting to reach friendly lines; all comedy! [slightly more difficult to find with English subtitles for French and German speech; available on Amzn]
- DirectorBrian G. HuttonStarsClint EastwoodTelly SavalasDon RicklesA group of U.S. soldiers sneaks across enemy lines in WWII France to get their hands on a secret stash of Nazi treasure.Originally intended as an antiwar film, 'KH' views as a heist film heavy on action & adventure, but with great, if not light, comedic moments... [sadly, currently available VHS/DVD appear to be heavily cut/edited; original, opening theatrical (roadshow?) cut may be impossible to find]
No WWII genre film beckons an extended/director's-type cut/release more than this film, IMO [if it's even possible?]; particularly, timely for the upcoming 75th anniversary of the end of the war [coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the film (2020)]...
With the passing of Master Director Brian Hutton [2014; RIP...], the much anticipated director's cut will never be...
If Hutton and Eastwood could have had their original release without the studio demanded cuts/edits, this would likely be No. 1 on the list... - DirectorLeonid BykovStarsLeonid BykovSergey PodgornyySergei IvanovDuring World War II, a Soviet veteran pilot teaches newcomers that war is transient, and music is eternal.Dramatic action film, with comedic moments, following lives of Russian wartime pilots. [available on Amzn as of 02/13]
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsJohn BelushiDan AykroydTreat WilliamsHysterical Californians prepare for a Japanese invasion in the days after Pearl Harbor.Christopher Lee, Toshiro Mifune, John Belushi, John Candy, & Slim Pickens!!!, all sharing the screen [particularly Lee, Mifune, Pickens, & Belushi all on the same sub!!!] in a comedic, action romp with moments of romance and drama; largely panned by critics [and sadly, to some extent, by its own director], but with growing cult followings worldwide.
'Jak rozpetalem druga wojne swiatowa' [at the top of this list] is epic in its ambitious approach to its narrative, while '1941' was epic in most every other way [production, cast, etc.]...but its nothing that a smart director's cut couldn't address...
Highly recommended! [impossible to find a good un-cropped, non-laserdisc, print; BluRay someday? If there readily existed a better print, this would easily rate higher...paging Mr. Spielberg!] - DirectorRichard LesterStarsMichael CrawfordJohn LennonRoy KinnearAn inept British World War II commander leads his troops through a series of misadventures in North Africa and Europe.War narrative with British humor/slapstick makes for a challenging, but greatly rewarding/entertaining film. Marked by biting satire, brilliant performances, & excellent cinematography [shot in Andalucia, Spain], it's likely to be a unique film viewing experience without the gritty/gory realism of modern day war genre films, but no less poignant.
An oft maligned film that may have the unique distinction of being both an 'Anti-war Film' film & an 'Anti-war' film, and unfolds in an unconventional plot structure formed by a series of narrated episodes/vignettes that are franticly-paced, dark, stirring, & above all surrealistic. [available on NF instant as of 02/13]
Recommended for the WWII comedy genre fan and fans of "Catch-22", "Closely Watched Trains", "Life is Beautiful", "Devils on the Doorstep", "The Secret of Santa Vittoria", "Dr. Akagi", etc. - DirectorJohn B. HobbsStarsGorden KayeCarmen SilveraKenneth ConnorWhilst celebrating her birthday, Edith and René reminisce about their adventures during World War II.This is actually an extended episode/special from the end of British comedy series depicting some highlights from its nine-year run; viewing the developing narrative over the entire series from the beginning is recommended over watching this episodic synopsis that inappropriately places the brilliant genius of its humour out of context.
This entire series [1–9] is highly recommended, with series three [the POW camp, etc] likely delivering its best... - DirectorGottfried ReinhardtStarsAlec GuinnessMike ConnorsRobert RedfordDuring World War II, a lonely German air-raid warden captures two downed American airmen and keeps them prisoner in his basement way past the end of the war.Another nearly impossible to find film, but well worth the effort if you do...
- DirectorRoberto BenigniStarsRoberto BenigniNicoletta BraschiGiorgio CantariniWhen an open-minded Jewish waiter and his son become victims of the Holocaust, he uses a perfect mixture of will, humor and imagination to protect his son from the dangers around their camp.Hauntingly beautiful and dramatic, if not tragic, comedy of the Holocaust in Italy; Roberto Benigni at his finest...
- DirectorJirí MenzelStarsVáclav NeckárJosef SomrVlastimil BrodskýAn apprentice train dispatcher at a village station seeks his first sexual encounter and becomes despondent when he is unable to perform.A unique narrative for the WWII comedy genre with a brilliant blend of light comedic, and dramatically poignant moments...highly recommended!
- DirectorWen JiangStarsWen JiangKenya SawadaHongbo JiangVillagers in World War II China are unsure what to do with the two enemy prisoners who have been left in their care.Riveting dramedy...highly recommended!
- DirectorAlbert S. RogellStarsEdmond O'BrienWanda HendrixRudy ValleeEx-WAVE encounters four fun-loving, work-hating men, all of whom want to marry her.
- DirectorMárton KeletiStarsTamás MajorImre SinkovitsIván DarvasDuring World War II, PFC Molnár decides his military service is over, and with a serious amount of money hidden in hand grenades, he heads to an abandoned mansion where he encounters not only the sour butler but a bunch of others who are also trying to wimp out on their duties.
- DirectorSiu-Tung ChingHark TsuiStarsTony Ka Fai LeungJacky CheungDean ShekIn WW2 Japanese-occupied Manchuria, a group of Chinese nationalists sets out to destroy a Japanese poison gas factory against a Japanese military officer and his girlfriend, who has built up a false public image as a Chinese glamour girl.
- DirectorBlake EdwardsStarsJames CoburnDick ShawnSergio FantoniIn World War II, a strategic Italian village agrees to surrender to the Allies only if it's allowed to organize a celebratory festival while giving aerial reconnaissance the false impression of fierce ground fighting.A very light, comedic film infused with some action and romance; once difficult to find, but now readily available...highly recommended!
- DirectorRalph ThomasStarsDavid NivenGlynis JohnsGeorge CoulourisDuring WW2, British Major Valentine Moreland is tasked with rescuing a prized pedigree cow from the German-occupied Channel Island of Armorel.AKA "Appointment with Venus"; the first of at least four [five & six if you want count the hilarious bull run of "Jak rozpetalem druga wojne swiatowa" (1970), and the bull chase in 'Dad's Army' (2016)!] WWII comedies about a bovine:
"La vache et le prisonnier" [1959]
"Venus fra Vestø" [1962]
"Cow" [2009] - DirectorRalph NelsonStarsCary GrantLeslie CaronTrevor HowardDuring World War II, a man persuaded to live on an isolated island and spot aircraft finds himself responsible for a teacher and several students, all female.Cary Grant classic...
- DirectorJohn HendersonStarsKenneth CranhamLeo BillDerek JacobiComedy drama based on the true story of two British Army dentists who in 1942, eager to see action, go A.W.O.L. and invade occupied France on their own.Dental Corps goes to war in a modern day "Invasion Quartet", but built for two... highly recommended!
Also consider, All the Queen's Men (2001). - DirectorJean-Marie PoiréStarsChristian ClavierMichel GalabruRoland GiraudBourdelle, a family of musicians, refuse to play for Germans during the war. They would like to liberate France using all possible means.
- DirectorMike NicholsStarsAlan ArkinMartin BalsamRichard BenjaminA man is trying desperately to be certified insane during World War II, so he can stop flying missions.A richly dramatic and dark comedy on the ludicrousness of war...[available on NF as of 02/13]
- DirectorGiuseppe TornatoreStarsMonica BellucciGiuseppe SulfaroLuciano FedericoAmidst the war climate, a teenage boy discovering himself becomes love-stricken by Malèna, a sensual woman living in a small, narrow-minded Italian town.Coming of age Italian dramedy with unique narrative...recommended!
- DirectorJean RenoirStarsJean-Pierre CasselClaude BrasseurO.E. HasseAn upper-class corporal from Paris is captured by the Germans when they invade France in 1940. Assisted and accompanied by characters as diverse as a morose dairy farmer, a waiter, a myopic intellectual, a working-class Parisian, and a German dental assistant, the corporal tries to escape from prison camps, sometimes making it a few yards, sometimes reaching the French border.Classic late Renoir...recommended!
- DirectorAlan JohnsonStarsMel BrooksAnne BancroftRonny GrahamAt the onset of WW2, a Polish actor's family and the Polish Resistance help the troupe of a theatre escape Poland and the invading Nazis.MB sticking it to the Nazis in this farcical remake...highly recommended for MB and AB fans!
- DirectorStephen FrearsStarsJudi DenchBob HoskinsChristopher GuestLaura Henderson (Dame Judi Dench) buys an old London theater and opens it up as the Windmill, a performance hall which goes down in history for, amongst other things, its all-nude revues.Highly recommended film on British homefront...
- DirectorJack SmightStarsPaul NewmanSylva KoscinaAndrew DugganIn 1943, a group of captured Allied military can't agree on an escape plan, The allies headquarters develop a plan and send in a man who they hope is captured, to coordinate the captives' escape.'Stalag 17', 'Hogan's Heroes', 'What Did you Do During the War, Daddy' -esque amalgamation, highlighting PN's lighter [& rom-com] side...
Slightly difficult to find, but highly recommended! - DirectorStefan RuzowitzkyStarsEddie IzzardMatt LeBlancUdo KierA mismatched team of British Special Services agents led by an American must infiltrate, in disguise, a female-run Enigma factory in Berlin and bring back the decoding device that will end the war.Haven't been totally crazy about MLb on film [although, I thoroughly enjoyed 'Lost in Space'!], but he's at his finest here with a great cast and original narrative delivering blended doses of action, comedy, romance, and drama...recommended [particularly, if you like the 'hand-picked group on a mission behind enemy lines' sub-genre]!
Also consider, Two Men Went to War (2002). - DirectorMario MonicelliStarsMichele PlacidoGiorgio PasottiAlessandro HaberA sanitary battalion of the Italian army is sent to Sorman Oasis in Libya during the African campaign in 1940. Soon, an Italian missionary living nearby succeeds in transforming the occupation by the Italian army into a kind of humanitarian mission. In fact, the entire battalion is involved in helping the local population. The war goes on with no regard to human feelings. The "glorious" Fascist campaign is going to become a fast retreat.Description says, "sanitary battalion", but don't be deterred, as this is an WWII Italian "MASH" unit...
Beautifully shot comedic film woven with poignant moments, that is [up 'til now] only available on a brilliant Italian language only [and Italian subtitle only] DVD, but is highly recommended for those who may have enjoyed "Mediterraneo", "Life is Beautiful", "Seven Beauties", "The Secret of Santa Vittoria", or "Night of the Shooting Stars"... - DirectorJohn FordMervyn LeRoyJoshua LoganStarsHenry FondaJames CagneyWilliam PowellIn the waning days of World War II, the cargo officer of a Navy supply ship chafes at its role far from the action in the Pacific's backwater areas, his frustration rising when its captain denies the crew liberty over petty irritations.A masterpiece; comedic with dark moments, this wonderful film has a sequel in Ensign Pulver (1964)...
- DirectorOliver ParkerStarsMark TandyRussell BaloghAndrew HavillThe Walmington-on-Sea Home Guard platoon deal with a visiting female journalist and a German spy as World War II draws to its conclusion.Thoroughly enjoyable remake of Dad's Army (1971)... Yet another [one of six!] WWII comedy with a bovine bit...
- DirectorMarcel CamusStarsBourvilPeter McEnerySophie DesmaretsA gentle restaurant owner inadvertently got involved in World War II after delivering a confidential document to an English pilot.Narratively unrelated follow-up to "La Grande Vadrouille"; largely European DVD production nearly impossible to find with English subtitles, but highly recommended if you can find it!
- DirectorCharles WaltersStarsGlenn FordGia ScalaEarl HollimanOn a small South Pacific island during WW2, various US Navy P.R. personnel pass the time romancing the nurses and the native girls while trying to avoid front line sea duty.
- DirectorStanley KramerStarsAnthony QuinnAnna MagnaniVirna LisiDuring WWII in Italy, a wine-producing village hides a million bottles from the GermansHighly recommended for "Life is Beautiful" and/or "Seven Beauties" fans!
- DirectorLina WertmüllerStarsGiancarlo GianniniFernando ReyShirley StolerThe defense of honor, a strong value in Neapolitan society, and its effects on the life of everyman Pasquale Frafuso.Highly recommended for "Life is Beautiful" fans!
- DirectorHenri VerneuilStarsFernandelPierre-LouisEllen SchwiersIn 1942, a French prisoner of war in Germany decides to escape to France using a cow held by a lunge as a decoy. He crosses all Germany in this way.Based on English film, "Island Rescue" [1951]...
One of at least four [five & six if you want count the hilarious bull run of "Jak rozpetalem druga wojne swiatowa" (1970), and the bull chase in 'Dad's Army' (2016)!] WWII 'bovine' comedies... - DirectorMike NicholsStarsMatthew BroderickChristopher WalkenMatt MulhernA group of young recruits go through boot camp during the Second World War in Biloxi, Mississippi. From the play by Neil Simon.Wartime basic training and coming of age film [no action]...highly recommended!
- DirectorArthur HillerStarsJames GarnerJulie AndrewsMelvyn DouglasAn American Naval Officer's talent for living the good life in wartime is challenged when he falls in love and is sent on a dangerous mission.Highly recommended, light on action, with poignant moments, rom-com; particularly, for JA or JG fans!
- DirectorBuza FerrazLuiz Carlos LacerdaStarsBetty FariaJosé WilkerPaulo GorgulhoDuring the Second World War, the U.S.A. established a military base in Natal, Brazil, changing in many ways people's lives and behavior.Unique narrative and perspective...recommended!
- DirectorRobert LamoureuxStarsJean LefebvrePierre MondyAldo MaccioneThree French army scouts escape capture and go behind enemy lines during WWII, urged by a lieutenant to fight rather than hide.Part one of epic French action and comedic farce trilogy [somewhat difficult to find; had a short, R1-DVD run (no Eng subtitles) on Amzn]...
- DirectorLuciano SalceStarsUgo TognazziGeorges WilsonMireille GranelliThe quest of a Fascist soldier, whose mission is to catch a political enemy during at the end of World War II.
- DirectorDavid MillerStarsGregory PeckTony CurtisAngie DickinsonIn 1944, an Army doctor is in charge of a neuropsychiatric ward at an Army Air Corps hospital in Arizona, and he must deal with a variety of tough cases.
- DirectorMelville ShavelsonStarsDanny KayeDana WynterWilfrid Hyde-WhiteAt the time of the invasion of Normandy, an American soldier is asked to impersonate a British general in order to confuse German spies and assassins in London.Highly recommended light on action, spy rom-com; particularly, for DK fans!
- DirectorJanusz MajewskiStarsMarek KondratBoguslaw LindaWiktor ZborowskiDuring World War II a group of safe crackers sets off on a mission to steal gold from a German bank.Light comedy and WWII sequel to "CK Dezerterzy" (1986, comedy about WWI; recommend viewing it first!); once available on NF, but no longer as of 02/13); makes a great double feature! Only sequel is available on NF as of 02/13...
- DirectorPeter KassovitzStarsRobin WilliamsHannah Taylor GordonÉva IgóDuring World War II, an ordinary inhabitant of a ghetto fakes news about Allied offensives to inspire hope for other victims of the Nazi regime.Highly recommended for "Life is Beautiful" and RW fans!
- DirectorNorman CohenStarsArthur LoweJohn Le MesurierClive DunnThe misadventures of a ragtag group of elderly Home Guard local defense volunteers at the onset of WW2.Actually more like a mini-series... [recently remade (2016)]
- DirectorGuy HamiltonStarsDavid NivenAlberto SordiAmedeo NazzariIn 1941 during the desert war in Abyssinia the Italian captain Blasi and the British major Richardson alternate between being bitter enemies or best friends depending on the circumstances.Niven & Sordi headline with great comedic chemistry...recommended!
- DirectorAnnelise ReenbergStarsMalene SchwartzHenning MoritzenDirch PasserVestø island's isolated community's prize cow is in danger of being abducted by German WWII occupation forces.Based on English film, "Island Rescue" [1951]...
One of at least four [five & six if you want count the hilarious bull run of "Jak rozpetalem druga wojne swiatowa" (1970), and the bull chase in 'Dad's Army' (2016)!] WWII 'bovine' comedies... - DirectorArthur Maria RabenaltStarsEva Ingeborg ScholzPaul KlingerKarlheinz BöhmNearly impossible to find, but well worth the effort if you do...
- DirectorAlexander MackendrickStarsBasil RadfordJoan GreenwoodCatherine LaceyScottish islanders try to plunder 50,000 cases of whisky from a stranded ship.Too much fun; recommended! [recently remade (2016)]
- DirectorBranko BaleticStarsDragan NikolicBora TodorovicTanja BoskovicA group of petty criminals is trying to make some money under the disguise of a musical band in German-occupied Serbia.
- DirectorStanislaw LenartowiczStarsElzbieta CzyzewskaAntonio CifarielloZbigniew CybulskiAdventures of the Italian soldier in a rebellious Warsaw in 1943, between Germans and the Polish resistance.
- DirectorMark RydellStarsBette MidlerJames CaanGeorge SegalTalented USO entertainer Dixie Leonard and comedian Eddie Sparks deal with their relationship over the course of 5 decades from World War II to the Vietnam War era to their twilight era in the 90's.BM entertains...recommended!
- DirectorFranco ZeffirelliStarsMaggie SmithJudi DenchJoan PlowrightAn orphaned Italian boy is raised amongst a circle of British and American women living in Mussolini's Italy before and during World War II.Dames and divas, oh my!; recommended!
- DirectorJerry LewisStarsJerry LewisJan MurrayJohn WoodBrendan Byers III is a wealthy playboy who wants to serve his country as a soldier, but he has been classified as 4-F (registrant not acceptable for military service). He recruits volunteers from among his employees for a privately funded mission in the Italian front of the war. Byers impersonates the German general Eric Kesselring, with a plan to order German troops to retreat and give way to advancing Allied forces. Unfortunately for Byers, the impersonation comes with complications. He has to deal with the real general's Italian mistress, while the German authorities are investigating Kesselring's involvement in the July 20 plot to assassinate Adolf Hitler.Highly recommended for JL and screwball comedy fans!
- DirectorRadu MihaileanuStarsLionel AbelanskiRufusClément HarariIn 1941, the inhabitants of a small Jewish village in Central Europe organize a fake deportation train so that they can escape the Nazis and flee to Palestine.One of a handful of WWII 'train' films ['The Train', 'Von Ryan's Express', 'Night Train to Munich', etc.]; along with an episode of 'Hogan's Heroes' [season 5's 'The Klink Commandos'], episodes of 'Allo, Allo!' [Season 5's 'All Aboard' & 'Geneva Express'], and portions of the epic, 'Ja rozpetalem druga wojne swiatowa', this is one of the few WWII 'train' productions with comedic/humorous moments [see also, 'That Kind of Woman', 'Potpisani 03 - Voz', 'The Hoodlum Soldier', & 'Closely Watched Trains']...recommended!
- DirectorMelville ShavelsonStarsCharlton HestonElsa MartinelliHarry GuardinoIn 1944, two American spies, posing as priests, infiltrate German occupied Rome to relay information to HQ but can only communicate via pigeons due to the imposed radio silence.Highly recommended, light on action, spy rom-com; particularly, for CH fans!
- DirectorRoger TuckerStarsDes BraidenJoe CassidyGuido De CraeneOn New Year's Eve 1944, American pilot Mike Clarke inadvertently bets Al Capone's nephew $10,000.00 that he can shoot down five enemy aircraft. Later, forced to land near a remote village in Ireland after running out of fuel, Mike learns that he is cut off from the rest of the world with no way to rejoin the war and shoot down his fifth plane, which is the only way he can win the bet and save his own life. With nowhere to go, he eventually befriends the colorful villagers and meets a fiery red-head named Maggie who shows this pilot that combat can take place on the ground just as well as in the air. It doesn't take long for Mike and Maggie to grow close as she helps him figure out how to win his bet while winning her heart in the process.A poorly cast lead here [sadly, must have been doing someone a favor? it could have been a classic otherwise!] doesn't ruin an otherwise brilliant narrative and solid production; highly recommended!
- DirectorHu GuanStarsHuang BoNi YanTielong ShangA Chinese peasant is given the responsibility of protecting his village's special dairy cow during a particularly harsh winter in 1940.One of at least four [five & six if you want count the hilarious bull run of "Jak rozpetalem druga wojne swiatowa" (1970), and the bull chase in 'Dad's Army' (2016)!] WWII 'bovine' comedies...
"La vache et le prisonnier" [1959]
"Venus fra Vestø" [1962]
"Island Rescue" [1951] - DirectorGeorge MarshallStarsGlenn FordRed ButtonsTaina ElgSergeant Murphy Savage impersonates a dead general in order to inspire the demoralized troops in fighting their way out of Nazi encirclement.Highly recommended action, rom-com; particularly, for GF and RB fans!
Somewhat difficult to find... - DirectorJacques BesnardStarsDarry CowlRoger DumasHenri Guybet
- DirectorRichard ThorpeStarsJim HuttonPaula PrentissJack CarterA luckless army intelligence lieutenant finds himself stationed on a remote island army outpost during World War II, where all the action is between the sheets.Highly recommended light on action rom-com; particularly, for JH fans!
- DirectorJean-Paul RappeneauStarsIsabelle AdjaniGérard DepardieuVirginie LedoyenAn actress, a writer, a student, and a government worker band together in an effort to escape Paris as the Germans move into the city.
- DirectorDuccio TessariStarsRod SteigerRosanna SchiaffinoRod TaylorFour soldiers and a beautiful Greek nurse, thrown together in North Africa during World War II, team up to pull off a heist of two-million pounds in boxes marked "plasma."Recommended but difficult to find film. Recently saw this for the first time on YTb in thirteen parts...deserves a better print and DVD release...
- DirectorMichael WinnerStarsOliver ReedJohn AldertonMichael J. PollardA British prisoner of war working at a zoo gets the chance to escape from the Germans, so he does and takes with him the elephant that he's been caring for. Together, they head for the Swiss border and freedom.Film score doesn't hold up nearly as well as narrative...still recommended! This 'elephant' centric film has similarities to animal-related WWII films, 'The Zookeeper's Wife' (2017), 'Operation Snatch', 'The Incredible Mr. Limpet', 'The Zoo', 'Francis', as well as the handful of 'cow' films on this list ['La vache et le prisonnier' (1959), 'Venus fra Vestø' (1962), 'Cow' (2009), 'Island Rescue' (1951)...
- DirectorJohn BoultingStarsIan CarmichaelRonald AdamHenry B. LonghurstIn World War II, a failed British officer is selected by his uncle, a brigadier with the War Office, to participate in a secret operation to recover looted artwork from the Germans.
- DirectorKen AnnakinStarsJames Robertson JusticeLeslie PhillipsStanley BaxterA somewhat happy-go-lucky bunch of Brits in a German POW camp find their new acerbic fellow prisoner is a key officer who must be got out at all cost.An incredibly entertaining British POW film; highly recommended!
- DirectorClaude BerriStarsMichel SimonRoger CarelPaul PréboistIn German-occupied France, a Jewish child is sent away from his family and conceals his religious affiliation from the anti-Semitic elderly man that takes care of him.
- DirectorJoseph SantleyStarsJane FrazeeFrank AlbertsonBarbara Jo AllenIn wartime 1944 in California, defense plant workers Rosalind "Rosie" Warren and her friend Vera Watson must share, on a rotating schedule, the town's last available rental room with Charlie Doran and Kelly Kennedy, who work the other shift at the plant. The landlady, Grandma Quill, also has her grandchildren, Buzz Prouty and Mabel Prouty, and her daughter Stella Prouty --- who is on the outs with her husband Clem --- living with her. Rosie doesn't tell her fiancé, Wayne Calhoun, about the living arrangements and is also plotting with Vera to re-unite the Proutys. Rosie pawns the engagement ring Wayne gave her for money for Clem and Stella. Rosie and Charlie fall in love and get their picture in the paper. Wayne huffily breaks the engagement and wants his ring returned.Homefront situational comedy that is loosely the west coast version of The More the Merrier (1943)...
- DirectorMan-Kei ChinStarsChingmy YauVeronica YipChung-Hua TouA family suffers at the hands of the Japanese during the occupation of Hong Kong.
- DirectorFrank TashlinStarsBob HopePhyllis DillerJeffrey HunterDuring WW2, Sgt. O'Farrell's Pacific unit is demoralized when a Japanese submarine torpedoes an American supply ship containing beer.Recommended for BH and PD fans!
- DirectorWesley RugglesStarsRobert WalkerDonna ReedKeenan WynnJournalist Marion Hargrove enters the Army intending to supplement his income by writing about his training experiences. He muddles through basic training at Fort Bragg with the self-serving help of a couple of buddies intent on cutting themselves in on that extra income.
- DirectorGeorge StevensStarsJean ArthurJoel McCreaCharles CoburnDuring the World War II housing shortage in Washington, two men and a woman share a single apartment and the older man plays Cupid to the other two.Loosely the east coast version of Rosie the Riveter (1944)...
- DirectorNorman CohenStarsJim DaleArthur LoweBill MaynardLondon, 1940. Aspiring jazz musician and future comedy legend Terence "Spike" Milligan reluctantly obeys his call-up and joins the Royal Artillery regiment at Bexhill, where he begins training to take part in the War. But along the way Spike and his friends get involved in many amusing - and some not-so amusing - scrapes. Based on the first volume of Milligan's war memoirs.
- DirectorStephen FryStarsStephen Campbell MooreEmily MortimerDan AykroydAn adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's novel "Vile Bodies", is a look into the lives of a young novelist, his would-be lover, and a host of young people who beautified London in the 1930s.
- DirectorRobert LamoureuxStarsJean LefebvrePierre MondyHenri GuybetThe French army's 7th Company experiences a severe setback during World War II when it gets separated from other units of its army. They disguise themselves as officers to escape death when they are taken prisoner by the Germans.Part II of comedic trilogy...
- DirectorMasahiro ShinodaStarsTakaya YamauchiYoshiyuki ÔmoriShiori SakuraIn this drama at the end of World War II, the inhabitants of a small Japanese fishing village must come to terms with their nation's defeat and the sudden occupation of General MacArthur and his troops.
- StarsJim HuttonJoan Van ArkBill FioreSitcom pilot film depicting comic adventures of an unorthodox military psychiatrist based on the 1962 movie starring Gregory Peck
- DirectorSemyon TimoshenkoStarsNikolay KryuchkovVasiliy MerkurevVasili NeshchiplenkoAbout three Russian pilots falling in love during the WWII.
- DirectorJindrich PolákStarsPetr KostkaJirí SovákVladimír MensíkJan is a decent, boring man, living a decent, boring life as a rocket designer. When his adventurous twin brother dies in a breakfast accident, Jan decides to impersonate him, unwittingly becoming a part of a Nazi time travel conspiracy.
- DirectorJoshua LoganStarsRobert Walker Jr.Burl IvesWalter MatthauLife becomes harried after Ensign Pulver's prank. He and the captain are swept overboard during a storm, ending up on a tropical island with a group of shipwrecked nurses, dancing natives, and one very big case of appendicitis.Light but fun sequel to Mister Roberts (1955), sans HF...recommended!
- DirectorCarl ReinerStarsSteve MartinRachel WardAlan LaddFilm noir parody with a detective uncovering a sinister plot. Characters from classic noir films appear as scenes from various movies interjected into the story.
- DirectorTadeusz ChmielewskiStarsElzbieta CzyzewskaJerzy TurekBoleslaw PlotnickiWaclaw Orzeszko is unlucky soldier. Nobody from the platoon likes him. One day he decided to go away from platoon. At the castle he meet Russian soldier Marusia. At this time German forces came at the castle. They must hide. But there is also second problem. Waclaw's platoon had to find deserter. Polish Soldier close to the castle.
- DirectorMichael AndersonPeter UstinovStarsGodfrey TearleMaria DenisPeter UstinovAngelo has been draft into the Italian Army in World War II. He does not like people shooting at him, so he tries all sorts of tricks to avoid being caught up in the action. However, events always seem to lead him back to the fighting.
- DirectorNanni LoyStarsNino ManfrediJason RobardsPeter FalkIn WWII, a commando was sent in a secret mission in Sicily. They had a reluctant Italian prisoner of war to help them.
- DirectorVladimir MotylStarsOleg DalGalina FiglovskayaMikhail KokshenovTouching story about love of a young romantic man (Zhenia), who is a soldier of Guard Mortar Division (Division of "Katusha" Reactive Mortars) and a girl-telegraphist (Little Zhenia) at the last months of WW II.
- DirectorArthur LubinGerry ChiniquyRobert McKimsonStarsDon KnottsCarole CookJack WestonMeek and mild mannered bookkeeper Henry Limpet has few passions in life. It's mid-1941 and he would love to join the Navy but has been rated 4F. His friend George Stickle is in the Navy and lays it on pretty thick. If Henry could have one thing it would be to become a fish. While on a visit to Coney Island, Henry falls into the water and miraculously gets his wish. Now a fish, he makes friends, Ladyfish and Crusty the hermit crab and loves his new life. He also uses his abilities to help the US Navy locate and sink Nazi U-Boats, forcing the Germans to create a new weapon to deal with the Allies secret weapon. When years later the Navy finds intelligent activity among dolphins, they may also know who is teaching them.Classic DK role in this mix of live-action and animated rom-com, light on action...recommended for DK and LA/animation fans.
- DirectorJan HrebejkStarsBolek PolívkaCsongor KassaiJaroslav DusekIn German-occupied Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (Czechoslovakia), a childless couple agree to hide a Jewish friend at great personal risk of discovery and execution.
- DirectorStenoStarsUgo TognazziYvonne FurneauxRaimondo VianelloA farcical account of the happenings in Rome in 1943 when the Allied Army and the partisans fight the Nazis.
- DirectorSteve RashStarsChevy ChaseCarrie FisherEve ArdenA visiting dignitary, a CIA agent, a Nazi spy, Japanese tourists, an assassin and a group of "midget" actors from The Wizard of Oz (1939) all check into an elite Los Angeles hotel called Under the Rainbow.This might make a nice first feature companion with a '1941' double feature...
- DirectorRichard MurphyStarsJack LemmonRicky NelsonJohn LundDuring WW2, Lt. Rip Crandall, who was a yachtsman before the war, takes command of the USS Echo, a sailing ship, for a secret mission in waters patrolled by Japanese warships.
- DirectorWilliam A. SeiterStarsKay FrancisCarole LandisMartha RayeReenactments of actual USO experiences of its female stars entertaining troops overseas.
- DirectorRobert LamoureuxStarsJean LefebvrePierre MondyHenri Guybet1942 in an occupied area. After being demobilized, Tassin, Pithivier and Staff Sergeant Chaudard returned to their previous lives.Part III of comedic trilogy...
- DirectorPeter GlenvilleStarsDanny KayeCurd JürgensNicole MaureyJacobowsky (Danny Kaye), a Jewish refugee, flees from the Germans with Colonel Prokoszny (Curt Jurgens), an aristocratic, anti-Semitic Polish officer trying to get papers to England. Prokoszny learns to appreciate Jacobowsky, despite their competition for the same woman, and together they outwit their pursuers.
- DirectorJ. Lee ThompsonStarsDavid NivenTopolAnna KarinaAfter World War II, in an Austrian camp for displaced people, an interpreter mediates between the British and the Soviets regarding the fate of various refugees.Actually, more a post-war themed [displaced persons / refugees] dramedy set in allied-zoned Austrian camp, that is highly recommended...particularly for DN and Topol fans!
- DirectorJay LewisStarsBill TraversSpike MilliganGrégoire AslanSpike Milligan and his friends decide to go to occupied France to silence a large German gun that is firing across the channel. They bumble though encounters with Germans and the French resistance fighters, travelling around by train and bicycle.Also consider the modern version built for two, "Two Men Went to War"...
- DirectorRoy BoultingStarsPeter SellersLila KedrovaCurd JürgensIn this comedy, set during the German occupation of France, Peter Sellers plays most major male parts, so he stars in nearly every scene, always bumbling in inspector Clouseau-style. As British Major Robinson he is hidden in Madame Grenier's Parisian brothel, right under the nose of the German clients, such as Gestapo agent Herr Schroeder (again him). As Général Latour he leads the French resistance, which includes the brothel madam -made a colonel in charge of her sexy 'troops'- and a priest, and is joined by young US diplomat Alan Cassidy. As Japanese imperial Prince Kyoto he becomes a target for the resistance in a monastery on his way to Hitler (again him). At the end he decorates the heroes as French president.