Watch You Must Be Joking!
- Approved
- 1965
- 1 hr 40 min
-
5.9 (387)
You Must Be Joking! is a 1965 comedy film directed by Michael Winner and starring Michael Callan, Lionel Jeffries, and Denholm Elliott. The movie was produced by Robert Sterling and was released in the United Kingdom on May 17, 1965. The plot revolves around Lieutenant Goodbody (Callan), an American serving in the British army, who is tasked with transporting a valuable donation to a European medical charity. Along the way, he encounters a variety of eccentric characters who complicate his mission in unexpected ways.
The film opens with Lieutenant Goodbody arriving in England to take charge of a convoy heading to the continent. He meets Sergeant Major McGregor (Jeffries), who is in charge of the group, and the two clash almost immediately. McGregor thinks Goodbody is an inexperienced "greenhorn," and Goodbody thinks McGregor is an obstinate old fool.
The tension between the two men only grows worse as they start their journey. Along the way, they pick up a group of soldiers who are all eager to get to the continent and do their part in the war effort. The soldiers all have different personalities, including a prankster (Elliott) who delights in tormenting McGregor.
As they travel, they encounter a variety of obstacles, both humorous and serious. They face a hostile French farmer, suspicious German soldiers, and malfunctioning equipment. But the soldiers also have to deal with each other, as they argue, fight, and play pranks on one another.
Perhaps the biggest obstacle they face is the prankster soldier, who seems determined to undermine the mission at every turn. He steals the donation money, gets them all arrested by a French police officer, and even sabotages their attempt to reach the charity by faking an injury.
But despite all of these obstacles, the soldiers band together and manage to reach their destination. Along the way, they learn to appreciate each other's strengths and weaknesses, and they come to realize that they are all in this together.
The movie is a classic example of the British war comedy genre, which was very popular in the 1960s. It features a strong ensemble cast, including several well-known British actors, as well as some notable American talent.
Michael Callan is charming as the naive Lieutenant Goodbody, and Lionel Jeffries is hilarious as the irascible Sergeant Major McGregor. Denholm Elliott steals the show as the mischievous prankster, and his scenes are some of the funniest in the movie.
The film is also notable for its location filming, which takes the soldiers through a variety of picturesque European towns and villages. The cinematography is excellent, and the movie has a bright, colorful look that adds to its overall lighthearted tone.
Overall, You Must Be Joking! is a delightful comedy that will appeal to fans of classic British humor. The movie is well-paced, with a variety of amusing set pieces and lively performances from its talented cast. It is a fun, engaging film that is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.