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SERENDIPITY CINEMA"The Secret War of Harry Frigg" Movie Review
It is so rare that a "star" is seen having so much fun with "yeoman" actors. By "Yeoman" I mean those folks who work day after day, doing good work, but rarely getting the spectacular acclaim that they deserve. To of my "Yeoman" idols are Whit Bissell and Michael Ripper. They were in dozens of films, like great magazine illustrators, deftly touching up the painting that would make the art come alive for us, without ever calling attention to themselves. They are the actors that make the piece work, while the star adds the flourish. This is a place where you can't turn around without seeing a familiar face, and every one is hitting on all cylinders. Newman shows his admiration for these working actors by not lording over this film, but by joining the cast with absolute commitment. 
It would have been easy for him to do a regular star turn and this would have made just as much money at the box office. This story about a loser who is only good at escaping from the army stockade would have been a great place for any actor to make himself look good. Since he is only good at escape, the army finally finds a good use for him. 
You see, these five one star generals have been captured in Turkey by the invading Italians in World War II. All being of equal rank they can never agree on a plan of escape, and since they are the only generals in captivity and therefore placed in pretty luxurious digs, it is a propaganda nightmare for the allies. It seems everyone thinks they just don't want to get out. Therefore Harry Frigg (Newman) is raised in rank from buck private to two star general and dropped into Italy, so he will be sent to the same royal villa as the others. The difference is that Frigg, a perennial loser, does decide that he likes it there so much he doesn't want to leave. 
Instead of being "Mr. Handsome Victim of Society, but always with a glint in his eye," Newman makes the character lovable, but an absolute schmuck. 
The generals and their jailor are all absolutely brilliant. You will recognize them from a hundred movie and TV roles, with Tom Bosley being the one most people can name. You might also be suprised to see Charles Grey here. But they are all having a glorious time, and giving us the same. Vito Scotti as the Italian officer (formerly from the Ritz in Genoa) is a scream as the fawning commandandant. When the Nazis come on the scene and things get a little more serious the film loses none of its charm and the resolution should fool no one, but neither be a disappointment to any. This should rank with the great service comedies like "No Time for Sergeants," "Kelly's Heroes" and "Operation Madball." 
Here is that cast: Paul Newman .... Pvt. Harry Frigg Sylva Koscina .... Countess Francesca De Montefiore Andrew Duggan .... Gen. Newton Armstrong Tom Bosley .... Gen. Roscoe Pennypacker John Williams .... Gen. Mayhew Charles Gray .... Gen. Cox-Roberts Vito Scotti .... Col. Enrico Ferrucci Jacques Roux .... Gen. Rochambeau Werner Peters .... Maj. von Steignitz James Gregory .... Gen. Homer Prentiss Fabrizio Mioni .... Lt. Rossano Johnny Haymer .... Sgt. Pozzallo Norman Fell .... Capt. Stanley Buck Henry .... Stockade Commandant Horst Ebersberg .... Lt. Gruber Richard X. Slattery .... MP Sergeant 
Watch it to see a star who never takes himself too seriously, character actors who never take their craft lightly, and a film that never lets you down.  If you have an idea for a Serendipity Cinema, or want to comment email here --posted by Wayne
Sunday, November 19, 2006
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Previous Posts "The Secret War of Harry Frigg" Movie Review"Music for Millions" Movie Review "Voyage of the Unicorn" Movie Review "Rachel and the Stranger" Movie Review "The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes" movie review "Crossed Swords" Movie Review "Once Upon A Time" Movie Review "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T" Movie Review "The Mudlark" Movie Review "Movie Movie" Movie Review |
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