Watch Hannibal Brooks

Hannibal Brooks is a 1969 British war comedy film directed by Michael Winner, starring Oliver Reed as Private Hank Hannibal Brooks. Set during World War II, Private Brooks and his fellow soldiers are prisoners of war in a German prison camp in North Africa. Brooks is an animal lover, and when he is given the task of looking after an elephant, Lucy, at the camp's zoo, he forms a close bond with the animal.

When the German prison camp is attacked and some of the prisoners escape, Brooks and his elephant are forced to flee into the desert. Along the way, they encounter a number of obstacles and characters, including a group of British soldiers who are on a mission to blow up a German fuel depot. Brooks and Lucy join forces with the soldiers, and they embark upon a dangerous journey across the Libyan desert.

The film is a mixture of comedy and drama, and combines the whimsical nature of Brooks and Lucy's journey with the harsh realities of war. Although Brooks is initially seen as a bit of a slacker, his care and compassion for Lucy reveal him to be a man with a strong sense of morals and a deep empathy for animals.

Oliver Reed delivers a solid performance as Brooks, conveying a range of emotions from lightheartedness to desperation, as he struggles to survive in the desert. John Alderton plays the role of Captain Woodrow Wilson, the leader of the British soldiers on the mission, while Michael J. Pollard portrays the quirky German soldier Adolf Sachs. The supporting cast of characters each brings their own unique qualities to the film, creating a cast of memorable characters.

The film was shot on location in Almería, Spain, with director Michael Winner effectively using the desert backdrop to create a sense of both the beauty and the danger of the landscape. The cinematography by Robert Paynter is exceptional, with sweeping shots of the desert and the use of shadow and light to enhance the mood of the film.

Hannibal Brooks received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its charm and humor, while others criticized it for not taking its subject matter seriously enough. However, over time the film has gained a cult following, with audiences appreciating its unique blend of war drama and comedy.

Overall, Hannibal Brooks is an entertaining and engaging film that will have viewers rooting for Brooks and Lucy as they make their way across the Libyan desert. With solid performances, beautiful cinematography, and a mix of humor and drama, it is a film that is well worth watching.

Hannibal Brooks is a 1969 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.