Product Details

• Actors: James Coburn, Dick Shawn, Sergio Fantoni, Giovanna Ralli, Aldo Ray
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Language: English, German, Italian
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
• VHS Release Date: September 1, 1998
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6302719054
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #198,610 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

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

Product Description

Item Name: What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?; Studio: United Artists

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What Did You Do In The War Daddy?, June 13, 2001

By 

SherryKay "Sharon" (Huntsville, Alabama) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? [VHS] (VHS Tape)

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.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS, July 23, 2005

By 

D. Blankenship (The Ozarks) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? [VHS] (VHS Tape)

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.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Funny! M*A*S*H for WWII, without any preaching, July 1, 2008

By 

CPT Terry Rogers (FPO, AA United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? (DVD)

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.