5.8/10
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How I Won the War (1967)

Approved | | Comedy , War | 23 October 1967 (USA)
How I Won the War Poster
Clip
0:47 | Clip
An inept British WWII commander leads his troops to a series of misadventures in North Africa and Europe.

Director:

Richard Lester

Writers:

Patrick Ryan (novel), Charles Wood (screenplay)

Stars:

Michael Crawford, John Lennon, Roy Kinnear | See full cast & crew »
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Videos

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Photos

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Michael Crawford ... Lt. Goodbody
John Lennon ... Gripweed
Roy Kinnear ... Clapper
Lee Montague ... Transom
Jack MacGowran ... Juniper
Michael Hordern ... Grapple
Jack Hedley ... Melancholy Musketeer
Karl Michael Vogler ... Odlebog
Ronald Lacey ... Spool
James Cossins ... Drogue
Ewan Hooper ... Dooley
Alexander Knox ... American General
Robert Hardy ... British General
Sheila Hancock ... Mrs. Clapper's Friend
Charles Dyer ... Happy-Trousered Man
See full cast »
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Storyline

This film features former Beatle John Lennon and Roy Kinnear as ill-fated enlisted men under the inept command of Lieutenant Ernest Goodbody. The story unwinds mostly in flashbacks of Lieutenant Goodbody who has lower-class beginnings and education which make him a poor officer who commands one of the worst units of the army. Written by Jenny Evans <J.Evans@uts.edu.au>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

troop | british | flashback | soldier | ineptitude | See All (39) »

Taglines:

"What we want is more humane killers!" See more »

Genres:

Comedy | War

Certificate:

Approved | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 October 1967 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Cómo gané la guerra See more »

Filming Locations:

Desierto de Tabernas, Almería, Andalucía, Spain See more »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Petersham Pictures See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Recording System)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

This was the first time John Lennon wore his soon-to-be-trademark granny glasses in public. See more »

Quotes

Grapple: That's the way to beat the Hun - dig in, then break through with sword and lance.
[slight pause]
Grapple: I think.
See more »

Connections

Featured in The Beatles Anthology: July '66 to June '67 (1995) See more »

Soundtracks

Keep the Home Fires Burning
(uncredited)
Music by Ivor Novello and lyrics by Lena Guilbert Ford
Whistled by the OCTU candidates
See more »

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User Reviews

Forgotten Gem
8 May 2005 | by thearchives – See all my reviews

Although (unfairly) ravaged by critics at the time and so generally dismissed ever since, HOW I WON THE WAR is both a brilliant anti-war film and anti war film film (much more so than the usually heralded M*A*S*H). Filled with biting satire and brilliant performances from Michael Crawford, John Lennon, Roy Kinnear, Ronald Lacey, Michael Hordern and, well, the entire cast, HIWTW was perhaps a bit too odd for 1967 audiences who expected perhaps a more madcap adventure, but today it deserves not only a rethink - but a reissue on DVD. (Why this wonderful movie is not available on DVD (at least in the US) is yet another slap in its face.) Richard Lester and writer Charles Wood (who also wrote HELP! for the Beatles) have crafted a brilliant black comedy that easily stands with Dr Strangelove. It won't be everyone's cup of tea, granted, but if you forget your preconceptions and let it wash over you, you will be richly rewarded. RELEASE IT ON DVD!
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