Watch Operation Mad Ball

Operation Mad Ball is a classic 1950s military comedy film starring Jack Lemmon, Ernie Kovacs, and Kathryn Grant. Directed by Richard Quine and written by Arthur Carter and Jed Harris, the movie tells the story of a group of soldiers stationed in a hospital in a remote part of France during the Korean War. The soldiers are bored and unhappy with their dreary surroundings, and they take on a daring mission to throw a secret mad ball to boost morale and lift their spirits.

The film is set in a military hospital where the army doctors and nurses are struggling to provide treatment to the wounded soldiers fighting in Korea. The patients are stuck in hospital beds, and the doctors and nurses are overworked and tired. The commanding officer, Colonel Rousch, played by Ernie Kovacs, is an obsessive, by-the-book officer who is obsessed with discipline and micromanagement. His second-in-command is Captain Lock, played by Jack Lemmon, a wisecracking, womanizing soldier who is always looking for a way to evade his duties.

Eventually, Captain Lock gets the idea to organize a secret mad ball to lift the spirits of his fellow soldiers. He recruits his buddy Corporal Bohun, played by Mickey Rooney, to help him pull off the scheme. They enlist the help of a beautiful nurse named Lieutenant Betty Bixby, played by Kathryn Grant, to help them with their plan.

The movie is a fun and lighthearted comedy that pokes fun at the military establishment and the rigidity and inflexibility of army command. The characters are all likable and engaging, and the performances from the cast are top-notch. Jack Lemmon is especially good as the fast-talking, irreverent Captain Lock, who is always looking for a way to skirt his duties and enjoy life. Ernie Kovacs is also excellent as the rigid and rule-bound Colonel Rousch, who is determined to maintain strict discipline and order in his hospital.

The highlight of the movie is the mad ball itself, which is a hilarious and chaotic event that sees the soldiers and nurses letting loose and having a great time. The scene is filled with witty one-liners, physical comedy, and hilarious set-pieces, and it's a testament to the skill and talent of the filmmakers that they were able to pull off such a wild and anarchic scene in the middle of a serious war film.

Overall, Operation Mad Ball is a classic comedy that has stood the test of time. It's a great example of the kind of irreverent, anti-establishment humor that was popular in the 1950s, and it still holds up as a funny and entertaining movie today. The film is a great showcase for the talent of Jack Lemmon, Ernie Kovacs, and Kathryn Grant, and it's a must-see for fans of classic comedy.

Operation Mad Ball is a 1957 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.