Customer Reviews

Secret War of Harry Frigg [VHS]

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Leonard Maltin, I like to read your books and I value your opinions but you're way off on this one! I am a rather obscure film critic from around the Pittsburgh area and the first tim I saw "Secret War", I was very pleased with its sarcastic atmosphere and its blend of military humor and 60's comedy. Don't trust Maltin with this one! He was way off! It concerns a rather simple escape artist private officer (Paul Newman) who is promoted to Major General overnight(!!) because he is hired to rescue five Allied generals from an Italian villa during WWII. In the process, he falls for a beautiful Italian Contessa who stays neutral when she finds out what Harry is trying to pull off and he sort of makes the villa into a sort of home. The Germans take charge over Italy (Italy and Germany were allies) and take Harry, the five gererals, and the Italian captive (Vito Scotti) as their prisoners as Harry contemplates how to get them out of this rut. Take my word for it. If you are looking for a good time, try this. You're in for a good time if you see this!

I have always enjoyed this movie. I saw it first when I was the Air Force, and believe me, Newmand nails the PFC/General part. The movie has many subleties, and is great fun. Silly things like the flag being blown by the voice of the frusterated general who is waiting for Harry to get the others out, is beautiful! I have shown this film to many and they all agree and go buy a copy for themselves. Unfortunately, the video transfer is poor. I wish it would come out on DVD widescreen. It is 1:2.35 and with pan and scan you always miss some of the general's reaction shots.

This is a superb W.W.II comedy motion picture well acted, finely scripted and neatly directed. Paul Newman turns in a great comedic performance. It contains memorable score. This is one of Newman's better roles and has been long overlooked.

Leaonard Maltin - can not agree with this one! I first viewed this film years ago on a local movie channel and have watched it everytime it has come back on. I have searched the video stores so that my friends could watch it. This is a simple film, don't look for hidden meanings, simply sit back, relax and enjoy. As a former Marine Drill Instructor, I can assure the viewer that Paul Newman nails the part of a clueless private who really doesn't care for the most part - Yep! I really enjoyed the film.

It sure would be nice if this movie were to become available on DVD or
Blu-Ray it it's original theatrical widescreen release. Remastered
sound and picture, if necessary, would be great, too. This is one of
Paul Newman's best films. Looking forward to the day.

Other than having to clean off the disc (there were quite a few smudges on it when I got it & they were not mine!) I
was very excited being able to view this movie again. It's been ages since I saw it & it's one of my favorites. Paul
Newman is at his best, being Paul Newman. You can see the mannerisms he carried over into his later years. It's very
endearing. I highly recommend it.

This has always been of one Newman's under-appreciated gems. I think the biggest problems this movie had were:
1. the word "War" in it, being released as it was at the height of the Vietnam War; and
2. it didn't get the promotion it should have from the studio.

The ensemble acting is outstanding; if he'd gotten a few more scenes, Vito Scotti might have stolen the show. And Tom Bosley shows the comedic touch he'd use a few years later in "Happy Days".
The plot works even with the far-fetched premise, and it's great fun from start to finish.

There must be some sort of legality that's keeping this from DVD, and that's a pity. I've worn out three tapes now.

I never saw the Leonard Maltin review that's being referenced in the comments here, but I have to agree that this is one terrific movie. It's long been a favorite due to the intricasies of the story, the terrific acting all around, and the nuances that make it fun to watch over and over again. I also wish it could be had in DVD format.

One of Paul Newman's better "tongue in cheek" movies. Brought back fond memories of military service and some of the higher echelon's behavior. Would like to see this movie in a DVD format.

This Movie is well worth the few dollars paid for it. If you like WWII movies with a light comic twist to it then this is for you. I don't know why sequals were neve made of this move its that good.