Watch On the Double

On the Double is a 1961 comedy film starring Danny Kaye, Dana Wynter, and Wilfrid Hyde-White. The film is directed by Melville Shavelson and follows the story of a timid, bumbling American soldier who is mistaken for a British officer during World War II. The soldier is sent behind enemy lines on a top-secret mission to sabotage a German U-boat base.

The film opens with Private Ernie Williams (Danny Kaye) performing as a mediocre entertainer for the troops. Ernie dreams of being a hero and fighting on the front lines, but due to his clumsy nature, he always ends up causing more harm than good. However, Ernie's life takes an unexpected turn when he is mistaken for a British officer named General Sir Lawrence MacKenzie-Smith, who is due to arrive in England on a covert mission.

Ernie is recruited by British intelligence to impersonate General Sir Lawrence MacKenzie-Smith and sent behind enemy lines to sabotage a German U-boat base. At first, Ernie is hesitant to take on such a dangerous mission, but his desire to be a hero and the promise of a medal of honor motivates him to accept the challenge. Ernie is trained by the real General's secretary, Sergeant Bridget Stanhope (Dana Wynter), and she teaches him everything he needs to know about being a British officer. During this training, Ernie starts to develop feelings for Bridget, but Bridget is engaged to a British officer, Captain Robertson (Wilfrid Hyde-White).

Ernie's mission starts off well, but he soon finds that being a hero is not as easy as he thought. He makes several mistakes that almost blow his cover, but with his quick thinking and improvisational skills, he is able to save the day. Along the way, he also learns about the true meaning of bravery and sacrifice. The film's comedy is rooted in there being two personas to watch, the fearful underdog of Kaye's character and the unsuspecting but brave soldier he impersonates.

On the Double is a classic Danny Kaye film, famous for its witty humor, slapstick comedy, and catchy musical numbers. Kaye's trademark singing and dancing add to the film's entertainment value. The film also features impressive action sequences, showcasing Ernie's daring feats as he dodges enemy soldiers and bombs to complete his mission. For a film made in the 60s, it holds up impressively well in terms of its visual effects and stunts.

In addition to Danny Kaye's zany antics, the chemistry between Dana Wynter and Wilfrid Hyde-White adds another layer of humor to the film. Their love triangle with Ernie is a consistent source of humor throughout the film.

In conclusion, On the Double is a fun, lighthearted comedy that delivers laughs from beginning to end. Danny Kaye is at his best in this film, and the supporting cast is equally outstanding. The film combines humor, action, and romance in a seamless manner, making it a perfect family-friendly watch. Overall, On the Double is a must-watch for fans of classic comedy films, and it has stood the test of time as a beloved gem from the era.

On the Double is a 1961 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.