Watch What Did You Do in the War, Daddy

What Did You Do in the War, Daddy is a 1966 American war-comedy film, directed by Blake Edwards and starring James Coburn, Dick Shawn, and Sergio Fantoni. The movie tells the story of a group of American soldiers during World War II who are assigned to invade and hold a small Italian village. The main theme of the story is the absurdity and futility of war.

James Coburn stars as Lieutenant Christian, the hapless leader of the American platoon tasked with taking over the village. The platoon is a motley crew of soldiers, including the bumbling Captain Oppo (Dick Shawn), the cynical Sergeant (Aldo Ray), and the suave Italian interpreter, Captain Opperman (Giovanni Ralli). The soldiers are ill-prepared for the mission and are faced with a series of comical mishaps and misadventures as they try to take the village.

The film features a distinctive satirical tone, with director Blake Edwards taking aim at the absurdity of war and the mindlessness of military bureaucracy. The soldiers are portrayed as a collection of misfits who are ill-suited to the task at hand, and the Italian villagers are shown as bewildered and confused by the Americans' presence.

One of the key comedic elements of the movie is the language barrier between the Americans and the Italians. The soldiers have no idea how to communicate with the villagers, and the Italian interpreter is eager to impress the American soldiers with his language skills, even if he doesn't always have a clue what he is saying.

The film also highlights the harsh realities of war, showing the death and destruction that are an inevitable part of armed conflict. The villagers are horrified by the destruction of their homes and the loss of their loved ones, and the soldiers are forced to confront the harsh reality of their actions.

Despite the serious subject matter, the film is filled with slapstick humor and witty one-liners. James Coburn delivers a standout performance as the befuddled Lieutenant Christian, while Dick Shawn provides plenty of laughs as the accident-prone Captain Oppo. Sergio Fantoni is also excellent in his role as Major Bruno, the Italian officer charged with overseeing the American operation.

The film was somewhat controversial on its release, as it was seen by some as making light of the horrors of war. However, it has since been recognized as a classic of the war comedy genre, with its biting satire and clever humor still resonating with audiences today.

Overall, What Did You Do in the War, Daddy is a funny and poignant movie that highlights the absurdity of war and the toll it takes on both soldiers and civilians. The stellar cast, inventive script, and sharp direction all contribute to make this a must-see movie for anyone interested in war comedies.

What Did You Do in the War, Daddy is a 1966 comedy with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.