Sgt. Bilko (1996)

Director:

Jonathan Lynn

Writers (WGA):

Nat Hiken (television series)
Andy Breckman (written by)

Release Date:

29 March 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

This movie is a remake of the hit series which starred, Phil Silvers as Sgt. Bilko. In this movie, Bilko...

Plot Keywords:

Greenland | Military | Revenge | Soldier | Las Vegas Nevada

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Steve Martin	...	Master Sergeant Ernest G. Bilko
Dan Aykroyd	...	Colonel John T. Hall
Phil Hartman	...	Major Colin Thorn
Glenne Headly	...	Rita Robbins
Daryl Mitchell	...	Pfc. Walter T. Holbrook
Max Casella	...	Spc. Dino Paparelli
Eric Edwards	...	Pvt. Duane Doberman
Dan Ferro	...	Spc. Tony Morales
John Marshall Jones	...	Sgt. Henshaw
Brian Leckner	...	Pfc. Sam Fender
John Ortiz	...	Spc. Luis Clemente
Pamela Adlon	...	Sgt. Raquel Barbella (as Pamela Segall)
Mitchell Whitfield	...	Pfc. Mickey Zimmerman
Austin Pendleton	...	Major Ebersole
Chris Rock	...	1st Lt. Oster

Also Known As:

Sergeant Bilko

MPAA:

Rated PG for mild thematic elements and some language.

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | DTS-Stereo

Certification:

Australia:G | Australia:PG (TV rating) | Iceland:L | France:U | Germany:6 (w) | Netherlands:AL | Spain:T | UK:PG | USA:PG | Norway:7 | Singapore:PG | Canada:PG

Filming Locations:

Sierra Madre, California, USA

Company:

Imagine Entertainment

Trivia:

A picture on the back of the movie box suggests a deleted shot where Sgt. Bilko sprays air freshener on Pvt. Doberman, during the scene where Bilko introduces his platoon.

Goofs:

Continuity: In the final hover tank test, the shadow cast by the tank sometimes changes within the same shot. Specifically, when you see it come out of the water you can watch it move from the left side of the tank to the right. It obviously has something to do with the low special effects budget.

Quotes:

Pfc. Wally Holbrook: Permission to speak freely, sir?
Master Sergeant Ernest G. Bilko: "Permission"? What are we in Russia? Say anything you want!

Movie Connections:

References Guys and Dolls (1955/I)

Soundtrack:

Let's Work

Funny!

This movie was under-appreciated in its theatrical release. In fact, it's a rarity these days.....a lightweight comedy that doesn't insult your intelligence. Some critics carped because it wasn't like the classic TV show, but it would have been hard (and foolish) to try and duplicate the genius of Phil Silvers. Steve Martin does a fine job of putting his own unique stamp on the character of Ernie Bilko and he's surrounded by a good supporting cast with many familiar faces. The story isn't the most intricately plotted in the world, but it doesn't have to be. The gags and one-liners come fast and furious and there are plenty of laughs.

A pleasant comedy that's good for all ages.