What did you do in the war, Daddy?
| Movie | |
|---|---|
| German title | What did you do in the war, Daddy? |
| Original title | What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? |
| Country of production | United States |
| original language | English |
| Publishing year | 1966 |
| length | 116 minutes |
| Age rating | FSK 12 |
| Rod | |
| Director | Blake Edwards |
| script | William Peter Blatty |
| production | Blake Edwards |
| music | Henry Mancini |
| camera | Philip Lathrop |
| cut | Ralph E. Winters |
| occupation | |
| |
What did you do in the war, Daddy? is an American comedy film from 1966 set against the backdrop of World War II. Directed by Blake Edwards from a story told by himself and Maurice Richlin. The premiere in Germany took place on February 24, 1967.
action
During Operation Husky , the Allied invasion of Sicily in World War II, General Bolt asked his aide, Captain Cash, about the village of Valerno. Cash advocates an attack and is given command of a company to carry out the attack. The tired soldiers, led by Lieutenant Christian and Sergeant Rizzo, are not enthusiastic about the mission.
The soldiers carefully approach the village. The enemy soldiers are enjoying a soccer game. Capitano Oppo, the Italian commander , wants to capitulate on one condition. The village's annual wine festival to be held that evening must take place. The Americans agree.
The festival was a great success and lasted well into the night. Since the headquarters are expecting a report and Captain Cash is drunk and therefore incapacitated, Lieutenant Christian takes command. Together with Capitano Oppo, he simulates a fight. But the fictitious fight is seen by some unwanted guests, such as the PR officer Major Pott, who gets lost in the catacombs below the city, and General Bolt himself. Finally, German troops intervene to help their Italian allies stand. But with a lot of luck and skill, the Americans can reject the Germans and win the simulated battle to continue the wine festival.
Reviews
“A lengthy and extremely silly military comedy that tries in vain to capitalize on the excessive exaggeration of the supposedly national characteristics of all those involved. Disappointing especially in view of the achievements later shown by Blake Edwards and William Peter Blatty. "
"The somewhat entertaining American military clothing is tolerable because it leads the war to absurdity."
background
- The cast was led by Oscar winner James Coburn (1999) and Golden Globe winner Carroll O'Connor (1972).
- The actor of Adolf Hitler , Carl Ekberg , is not mentioned in the credits . He played Germans in many American films during the Second World War and was mostly unnamed in the credits. Ekberg portrayed Hitler five times, including this film, including in Citizen Kane in 1941 .
- Blake Edwards' best-known comedies are the Pink Panther films about the bumbling Inspector Clouseau, played by Peter Sellers .
- Jack McEdward, the director's father, acted as the film's unit manager.
- Very few film fans associate comedies with the name William Peter Blatty. Blatty was best known for his creation of The Exorcist . For the script of the first part he received one of his two Golden Globes in 1974 (the second he got in 1981) and an Oscar . He also directed the third part (1990).
- Maurice Richlin, co-author of the narrative on which the film is based, was honored with an Oscar in 1960 for his screenplay for bed whispers .
- Clem Beauchamp was the film's production manager. In 1936 he was awarded the Oscar for best assistant director (the category no longer exists today).
- Other award-winning contributors: the composer Mancini (Oscars 1962 (soundtrack and song), 1963, 1983; Golden Globe 1971); the film editor Winters (Oscars 1951, 1960); the special effects artist Danny Lee (Oscar 1972); Linwood G. Dunn, who was responsible for the special cameras (Special Oscar 1945, Academy Honors 1979, 1981, 1985); and Dunn's partner James B. Gordon (Special Oscars 1951, 1962).
Historical background of the film
The Operation Husky called the Allied invasion of Sicily on July 10, 1943. She was one of the largest amphibious operation of World War II. American, British and Canadian troops landed in the south of the island. The approx. 160,000 Allies faced approx. 400,000 soldiers from the Axis powers (Italy and the German Empire). The Axis powers lost almost 170,000 men in the invasion, of which 120,000 (mostly Italians) were taken prisoner. The Allies lost a total of around 25,000 men. All strategic objectives of the invasion were achieved: the air and naval forces of the Axis powers were destroyed or driven out, the sea routes in the Mediterranean were now under Allied control. In addition, the Italian ruler Benito Mussolini was then overthrown.
Web links
- What did you do in the war, Daddy? in the Internet Movie Database (English)
- What did you do in the war, Daddy? at Rotten Tomatoes (English)
- Discussion of Variety
- New York Times review
- https://cover.info/de/song/Andy-Williams-In-The-Arms-Of-Love