How I Won the War (1967)

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

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

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.

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Plot Keywords:

troop | british | flashback | soldier | ineptitude | 

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Taglines:

"There have been far too many unwounded prisoners taken in this war!"

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Genres:

Comedy | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Official Sites:

MGM

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 October 1967 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cómo gané la guerra

Filming Locations:

Desierto de Tabernas, Almería, Andalucía, Spain

Company Credits

Production Co:

Petersham Pictures

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Recording System)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.66 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

John Lennon found the Spanish location quite boring, so Ringo Starr flew out to keep him company. However, Lennon also found working on the project a refreshing change from his increasingly arduous and isolated musical career with the Beatles. Namely on set, Lennon was just another cast member, and a relatively minor one, who could interact with others largely as a normal person with the crew. As such, Lennon insisted on attending the production every day even when he was not required on set as a learning experience.

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Quotes

Clapper: You married?
Gripweed: No, I play the harmonica.

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Connections

Featured in Things They Said Today (2002)

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Soundtracks

Theme from 'Lawrence of Arabia'
(uncredited)
Music by Maurice Jarre
Heard as a theme in the desert scenes

User Reviews

A different kind of war film

The first time I watched this film, it was because I was a big Beatles fan and wanted to see John Lennon's performance. I was in my teens and didn't understand much of what went on, but at least I made a valiant effort.

The second time I watched this film -- about a decade later -- it was because I was now a big Richard Lester fan and wanted to see if I understood a little more of what was going on; I did. A decade spent honing my sense of irony and a crash course in classic British comedy helped out there.

This film is right up there with "Dr. Strangelove" as far as black comedies about the insanity of war go. And any film where John Lennon gets to say, "Can I rub your ball, sir? It gives me great pleasure." is okay in my book.