At least, that is how I feel after watching this movie. Blake Edwards delivers another great comedy; this time, in the Italian Theater, in WWII. Dick Shawn (The Producers) is the by the book Capt. Cash, with his trusty Lt. Christian. They have "captured" Capt. Oppo and his men; that is, if they have a festival. Well, one party and a surprise visit by an "intelligence" major (military intelligence, the ultimate oxymoron) and he two sides have to fake a battle. Next thing you know, the Americans and Italians must team up to fight the Germans.The film is filled with the wonderful slapstick to be expected from Edwards, in the 60's, as well as fine character performances from Shawn, Aldo Ray, James Coburn, Vitto Scotti, Sergio Fantoni; and, especially, Henry Morgan.The film is lighthearted fun, without being insulting to veterans of the war. It's a piece of farce, with its own place in the sun. Everyone is having fun, with Morgan at his insane best (a style he was able to repeat in his first appearance in MASH, before Col. Potter). The entire situation is absurd, but that makes it all the more enjoyable.Some scenes to watch for: The staged battle, Henry Morgan running around in the catacombs, and the "fight" with the Germans. This is Blake Edwards at his best. Definitely worth seeking out.

What Did You Do in the War,Daddy? is a great movie that has been neglected for too long. It belongs on DVD for a new generation to enjoy. The story is just as entertaining now as when it first was theatrically released. The characters are timeless. The setting picturesque. The plot and pacing superb. It remains one of the best comedic World War II movies made. Truly a funny movie. It has intelligent humor that does not require gross out jokes to make it funny. It was made back when writing was still an art form and there were still original ideas in Hollywood. It is a must own for all WWII buffs. It is a constant disappointment to see that it is not on DVD, nor that it is "not in the works." Something must be done about it. "To arms!"

This is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen -- one part social commentary, three parts random chaos. If you like your movies to make sense, you won't enjoy this one; if you like "Paris When it Sizzles," _Catch-22_, or any Tom Stoppard novels, this will be right up your alley. It's very hard to find, though; I saw it on television in London back in 1994 and haven't been able to find any video rental store that carries it.

The first half is promising: Blake Edwards ridicules the foolishness of militarism and sets up an unusual situation full of comic possibilities. But in the second half the film changes tone and the action is so poorly staged that it all becomes a loud and chaotic mess. It's still better than "The Great Race", though..... (**)