Customer Reviews

Private War of Major Benson [VHS]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(3)
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One of the brightest comedies of the 1950's,"The Private War of Major Benson", features brilliant performances by Charlton Heston, Julie Adams, and "scene stealer", SAL MINEO, in one of his first featured roles.Heston is "Major "Bernard Benson. A tough battle-scarred officer whose inappropriate comments to a magazine almost get him kicked out of the service. Instead, as a last resort, he is transferred to the Sheridan Military Academy for boys, aged 6-16. Demanding and unsympathetic is how he seems towards the boys, and they retaliate towards Benson. And the school nurse, Kay (Adams), is concerned that Major Benson's unorthodox methods have much to be desired. Many HILARIOUS moments fill this uproariously funny film. Eventually, nurse Kay falls for the stoic, yet big-hearted Benson. A young SAL MINEO steals the film, as Cadet Colonel Sylvester Dusik. He gains much respect for Major Benson, and has some truly comedic moments. Especially in the scene where Sylvester tells the training troups, in a frenzy, "Does everybody in this school have two left feet? Alright you guys, you're gonna keep on drilling till you do it right!" The delivery of these lines, shows Sal also had a terrific flair for comedy, and shows why he was such a meteoric rising young star! Also notable, is 6 year old actor, Tim Hovey, adorable in the role as Tiger, one of the youngest cadets at the academy. Directed by Jerry Hopper, "The Private War of Major Benson" is a true comedy classic.

Charlton Heston is generally thought of as the hero of epic-style films. But in this family-style comedy, filmed after The Ten Commandents and before Ben-Hur, he proves he has comedy chops. As a hard-driving Army major, he is "punished" by being sent to work at a boy's milatary school. Perhaps unique to the times, the love interest of this film is not, as Major Benson first supposes, a nurse . . . but a full-fledged doctor, beautifully played by Julie Adams. A trove of child actors from that period, plus wonderful William Demarest and quite a few other recognizable familiar faces (including a very young David Jansen, in the first few minutes) round out the cast. A good script and delightful theme song (used also for another Tim Hovey movie, Toy Tiger) make this a very enjoyable experience.

Charlton Heston outdoes himself again as the war-hardened, whisky drinking Major who discovers his sensitive side after taking command of an ROTC school in California. Classic lines include: "You'll do it until you get it right." If you love Charlton Heston, you've got to see this movie.

Charlton Heston is generally thought of as the hero of epic-style films. But in this family-style comedy, filmed after The Ten Commandents and before Ben-Hur, he proves he has comedy chops. As a hard-driving Army major, he is "punished" by being sent to work at a boy's milatary school. Perhaps unique to the times, the love interest of this film is not, as Major Benson first supposes, a nurse . . . but a full-fledged doctor, beautifully played by Julie Adams. A trove of child actors from that period, plus wonderful William Demarest and quite a few other recognizable familiar faces (including a very young David Jansen, in the first few minutes) round out the cast. A good script and delightful theme song (used also for another Tim Hovey movie, Toy Tiger) make this a very enjoyable experience.

Major Barney Benson (Charlton Heston) is considered too tough on his men and has said some embarrassing things about the army in a magazine article. The top brass decide to put him on inactive status to cool off so he becomes the new commandant of a boys' military school. But the Major is too hard of his young charges, too, until he sees the light thanks to the pretty school doctor (Julie Adams) and a tiny cadet (Tim Hovey).

Heston's considerable charm and comedic talents make this a sweet, feel-good family film. He booms out the orders to men and boys alike, but, of course, has a heart of gold. Adams isn't quite on Heston's acting level, but Tim Hovey steals all his scenes as the smallest boy at school. He was absolutely adorable and I loved his performance.

The movie is firmly rooted in the fifties and can sometimes get corny, but it's still worth watching thanks to the wonderful Charlton Heston. He's ably supported by many good actors including a young Sal Mineo and Milburn Stone ("Doc" from Gunsmoke). This is a wholesome movie all ages can enjoy.

This movie is better than the remake "Major Pain". Had more depth to the characters and a better story line. Did not know that Charlton Heston could be funny! Had to love the nuns in this movie also! They added to story and depth of characters. My pre-teen daughter enjoyed it better too. Good Family Movie.

Charlton Heston plays a tough but sensitive Major who befriends a boy without a father. It is still one of my favorite movies and would enjoy seeing it on DVD. I believe not only the old but the young would see this as A Great movie. The compassion shown could enlighten all.

This is a fine old movie. Tim Hovey is the one who really makes this movie work. They just don't make films like this any more.

In my opinion, this is a much under-appreciated little gem (along with "Toy Tiger", starring Tim Hovey and Jeff Chandler). Tim Hovey is a fun child actor. Charlton Heston excels comedically here, and so does Julie Adams("Creature From The Black Lagoon"). Amazing that both these Tim Hovey movies are unavailable on commercial DVD. Highly recommend this fun, lightweight comedy.

My only copy of this movie is off the TV, so I was thrilled to find it on VHS. Probably Charlton Heston's only out-and-out comedy (does "Mountain Men" count?) I loved him in the epic films, but I wish he'd done more like this as well! When will this be on DVD?!!