Product Description

Set against the backdrop of WW 2, a by-the-book Captain is ordered to capture a strategic village in Italy and finds the soldiers are willing to surrender if the can have their annual wine festival first. But he must make it look like a real fight for the aerial viewers and the practice makes for loads of fun!

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #37959 in DVD
• Brand: MGM HOME VIDEO (UNDER FOX)
• Released on: 2008-05-20
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 2.35:1
• Formats: Color, Dubbed, DVD, Full Screen, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Original language: English, German, Italian
• Subtitled in: English, Spanish, French
• Dubbed in: French, Spanish
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: 1.00 pounds
• Running time: 116 minutes

Features

• Comedy master Blake Edwards weaves his wacky madness in this first-rate WWII story of a by-the-book Captain (Dick Shawn) who is ordered to take over a troop of misfit soldiers led by Lieutenant James Coburn. Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: COMEDY Rating: NR Age: 883904106845 UPC: 883904106845 Manufacturer No: M110684

Amazon.com
In 1943, a by-the-book captain (Dick Shawn) is put in charge of a decimated company with orders to capture a quaint Italian village. Upon arriving, the men find the opposing soldiers all too eager to surrender, but only after the local wine festival, a bacchanal that leaves both sides wasted. The troops are forced to work together to stage a mock battle to satisfy American and German forces that are close by. Neither cynical like The Americanization of Emily nor absurd like King of Hearts, this 1966 comedy directed by Blake Edwards (The Pink Panther) and scripted by William Peter Blatty (The Exorcist) is a carefree romp. Collateral pleasures include Edwards’ signature stylish slapstick, Carroll O’Connor as a blustery general, James Coburn as the cool-under-fire Lieutenant Christian, Harry Morgan as an intelligence officer who gets lost in the village catacombs and goes mad, and the ravishingly beautiful Giovanna Ralli as the village Mayor’s very pliant daughter. "War is hell," the DVD box proclaims, "and isn’t it fun?" Not really, but that shouldn't mar your enjoyment of one of Edwards' lesser-known films that is ripe for rediscovery. --Donald Liebenson

Customer Reviews

What Did You Do In The War Daddy?
This movie was made in the 1960's, and I remembered seeing it then, and thought it was one of the funniest movies ever. I had always wanted to see it again, so I was elated to be able to get the video. When I watched it again it was as funny, if not more so then I remembered. Harry Morgan, is hysterical, and Dick Shawn and James Coburn are great. It is really, as they say, a laugh riot. It is well worth watching, and I reccomend it highly.

ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS
This is probably one of the funniest movies I've seen. I first viewed this film when it was first released and have watched it several times since. It actually gets better each viewing. The movie was a sort of sleeper and probably has not gotten the recognition it deservies. If you can find a copy, either VHS or DVD, I would strongly suggest you add it to your collection. It is absolutely hilarious, the acting is excellent and the story will stick with you. Highly recommend.

Funny! M*A*S*H for WWII, without any preaching
This movie has always been one of my favorites. With Dick Shawn as Capt. Lionel Cash, being the sharp no-nonsense officer who gets ambushed by James Coburn (as Lt. Christian), Aldo Ray and assorted others who lead him to find his more fun-loving side, if somewhat begrudgingly. This film takes a battle for a small italian town and turns it into a party. Then it reverses the process, all with plenty of Laughs. Harry Morgan of M*A*S*H fame is excellent as an officer who ends up beneath the town wandering the catacombs. I've often suspected the M*A*S*H TV show of stealing Harry's M*A*S*H name from this movie. He plays Major Pott. Carroll O'Conner gives an excellent performance as the General who sends the straight-laced Captain to take over some war weary veterens. Sergio Fantoni is superb as the Italian Captain who wants to surrender, but demands a party first and Giavonni Rolli is the woman who keeps the war moving, by being the romantic foil for Americans, Germans and Italians. The cast of characters include clumsy italian bank robbers, leacherous German officers, and more. This movie pre-dated M*A*S*H and Kelly's Heroes by a few years and I think it was better and set the standard.