At least, that is how I feel after watching this movie. Blake Edwards delivers another great comedy; this time, in the Italian Theater, in WWII. Dick Shawn (The Producers) is the by the book Capt. Cash, with his trusty Lt. Christian. They have "captured" Capt. Oppo and his men; that is, if they have a festival. Well, one party and a surprise visit by an "intelligence" major (military intelligence, the ultimate oxymoron) and he two sides have to fake a battle. Next thing you know, the Americans and Italians must team up to fight the Germans.
The film is filled with the wonderful slapstick to be expected from Edwards, in the 60's, as well as fine character performances from Shawn, Aldo Ray, James Coburn, Vitto Scotti, Sergio Fantoni; and, especially, Henry Morgan.
The film is lighthearted fun, without being insulting to veterans of the war. It's a piece of farce, with its own place in the sun. Everyone is having fun, with Morgan at his insane best (a style he was able to repeat in his first appearance in MASH, before Col. Potter). The entire situation is absurd, but that makes it all the more enjoyable.
Some scenes to watch for: The staged battle, Henry Morgan running around in the catacombs, and the "fight" with the Germans. This is Blake Edwards at his best. Definitely worth seeking out.
The film is filled with the wonderful slapstick to be expected from Edwards, in the 60's, as well as fine character performances from Shawn, Aldo Ray, James Coburn, Vitto Scotti, Sergio Fantoni; and, especially, Henry Morgan.
The film is lighthearted fun, without being insulting to veterans of the war. It's a piece of farce, with its own place in the sun. Everyone is having fun, with Morgan at his insane best (a style he was able to repeat in his first appearance in MASH, before Col. Potter). The entire situation is absurd, but that makes it all the more enjoyable.
Some scenes to watch for: The staged battle, Henry Morgan running around in the catacombs, and the "fight" with the Germans. This is Blake Edwards at his best. Definitely worth seeking out.