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What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?

Name: What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?
Genre: Comedy, War
Released: 1966-08-31
Cast: James Coburn, Dick Shawn, Sergio Fantoni, Aldo Ray, Giovanna Ralli

1966 | 116 min | Comedy, War

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With middling reviews (50% on Rotten Tomatoes) and soft box office, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it: Made for anyone who wants a laugh and history buffs. If you loved The Great Dictator, start here.
The mood: Light and funny, intense.
The pace: Breezy, at 1 hr 56 min.
What might put you off: Made in 1966: an older pace and style.

A by-the-book Captain is ordered to capture a strategic village in Italy. The Italian soldiers are willing to surrender, if they can have a festival first. The lieutenant convinces the Captain this is the only way. Because of aerial reconnaissance, they must look like they are fighting. To sort this out an intelligence officer is sent in. Meanwhile the festival gets complicated with the Mayors daughter.

How it earned its rating

CriticsBelow par
50% on Rotten Tomatoes
AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 21K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Blake Edwards

James CoburnLieutenant Christian
Dick ShawnCaptain Lionel Cash
Sergio FantoniCaptain Oppo
Aldo RaySergeant Rizzo
Giovanna RalliGina Romano
Harry MorganMajor Pott
Carroll O'ConnorGeneral Bolt
Leon AskinColonel Kastorp
Thomas HunterAmerican GI #3
Jay NovelloMayor Romano