Watch Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came
- PG
- 1970
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5.4 (450)
Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came is a satirical anti-war film from 1970 directed by Hy Averback. The movie features a star-studded cast including Brian Keith, Tony Curtis, and Ernest Borgnine. This film explores the absurdity of war, its devastating effects, and the idealistic beliefs of those who support it. The story takes place in a small town in California, where a group of retired veterans is unhappy with the youth's lack of discipline and respect. They believe that every young man in the town should be forced to serve in the military to gain the necessary discipline and respect for authority. The only problem is that the United States is not in a war, and the prospect of it never occurring appears slim to none.
The solution to this problem is presented when one of the veterans suggests that they stage a fake war as a drill to show the youth what it's like to serve in the military. Their plan is to create a fake enemy and stage a mock invasion in the town to test the young people's readiness for such an event.
The idea is met with enthusiasm, and the entire town gets behind it. They start drilling every day and prepare for the big event. However, as they move closer to the day of the invasion, they start to realize the absurdity of their plan. They start to see the real-world implications of war and how it affects not only the soldiers but also the people around them.
The older generation starts to see that war is not as glamorous as they thought, and the younger generation realizes the devastating consequences of blindly following authority without question. The audience is left with a powerful message about war and its true effects, and how it can quickly turn into a nightmare.
The movie is filled with comedic moments that add levity to an otherwise serious topic. Brian Keith plays Col. Flanders, the leader of the veterans who is determined to show the youth the values of discipline and respect. Tony Curtis plays MSgt. James B. Merryweather, who is equally determined to help Col. Flanders with his plan. Ernest Borgnine plays Sheriff Harve, who acts as the mediator between the two generations.
The movie's cinematography is wonderfully done, and the scenes are shot in a way that shows the contrast between the idyllic small town and the harsh realities of war. The soundtrack is also well composed and fits perfectly with the tone of the film.
Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came is a movie that shows the true face of war and its implications. It is a powerful message that resonates through time, as it reminds us that war should always be the last option, and that we should strive for peace through understanding and negotiation. This film is timeless and deserves to be seen by a new generation of viewers who can appreciate its message and the incredible work done to create it.