mjhellund-1
If you're going to invade someplace, might as well make it Italy, where they get vino and Bimbas right. Silvio Berlusconi would have loved this little town.This movie is hilarious. Funn1er than Catch 22, by a mile. Harry Morgan's participation is worth twice the price of admission. He even spouts a line from Guns Along the Mohawk. Dick Shawn is predictably insane, but toned down a bit from Sprintime for Hitler days. A very funny movie that makes a mockery of the ultimate mockery--war. It's not as good as Oh, What a Lovely War, but it's close. Not Mash either, but closer in themes.
thinker1691
In the annals of military history are some of the most serious moments imaginable. However, with this movie, surprisingly written by William Peter Blatty that's the farthest thing from director Blake Edwards's mind. The movie is called " What did you do in the War, Daddy? " From the moment an audience sit's to watch this extraordinary movie, a roller coaster ride of hilarity begins. It's the story of Lionel Cash (Dick Shawn) a seriously dedicated West Point Captain who's been ordered to take an Italian town, by the commanding General (Carroll O'Conner). Entering the small town, he is confronted by Captain Oppo (Sergio Fantoni) the Italian commander who immediately surrenders. However, when Cash attempts to order the Italians out, they balk and demand a Festival as a condition. With a real confrontation threatening to renew the war, Cash's Lieutenant (James Coburn) asks, 'what's the harm?' Thus, this film swings into it's comedic mode and the world war turns upside down. Jovality and a festive atmosphere make this movie a fun feature to watch with almost every changing situation causing humor, hilarity and side-splitting laughter. The cast which includes Aldo Ray, Giovanna Ralli and Henry Morgan do a marvelous job to create a superb Classic. A great film recommended to anyone seeking humor in World War II. ****
bobvonb
Maybe this is not the Great American Movie, but certainly a worthy effort. It has been over 30 (maybe 40) years since I've seen it (and not for lack of trying to find it on TV or for rent) but I can still remember how hard I laughed at Harry Morgan's antics. That's funny stuff! Worth a watch and I do wish it was available on DVD. At that time I first saw this I had no idea who Blake Edwards was, but looking back I can see the influence and similarities with works like the Pink Panther series. If you liked the Pink Panther and the Return of the Pink Panther (the only two I really cared for) you probably will like this too.
broosr
The Sixties produced a slew of funny war comedies demonstrating that WWII was basically good fun for all concerned, rather than being peopled with the kind of angst-filled, hand-wringing adolescents you see nowadays in movies like Memphis Belle and Saving Private Ryan. Edwards would go on to fantastic success with the Pink Panther series and writer Blatty is notable for his later work, The Exorcist. Edwards draws on a solid cast, including veterans Carroll O'Connor, Harry Morgan and Aldo Ray, without whom no war movie is complete. Italian star Fantoni turns in a meatball performance as Oppo but Dick Shawn steals the show with the best role of his career. Although a little slow in spots, Blake Edwards nonetheless gets where he's going and the result is a fine, though underrated, entry in the genre. The interactions between Shawn and Fantoni are worth the price of admission alone.
AD
