An inept British World War II commander leads his troops through a series of misadventures in North Africa and Europe.
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Title: How I Won the War (1967)
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Help!
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Edit
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 | |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
See All (34) »
Storyline
This movie features Beatle John Lennon and Roy Kinnear as ill-fated enlisted men under the inept command of Lieutenant Ernest Goodbody (Michael Crawford). 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 Keywords:
black comedy | eyeglasses | man wears eyeglasses | flashback | soldier |Taglines:
"What we want is more humane killers!" See more »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
UKLanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
23 October 1967 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
How I Won the War See more »Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Sound Mix:
Mono (RCA Recording System)Color:
Color (Eastmancolor)Aspect Ratio:
1.66 : 1
Edit
Juniper: [sitting in back of a truck, smoking, holding a broom] Isn't that sickening when that happens to a chap? Couldn't your drill instructor do something about it? Like a quick jab up the crotch with a broom bass?
[holds up broom]
See more »
Written by Ken Thorne
Performed by John Lennon (as Musketeer Gripweed and The Third Troop)
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
This was the first time John Lennon wore his soon-to-be-trademark granny glasses in public. See more »Quotes
Goodbody: [talking aloud to himself] I can't, I fear, I can't march properly on my own, as an officer, in the public eye.Juniper: [sitting in back of a truck, smoking, holding a broom] Isn't that sickening when that happens to a chap? Couldn't your drill instructor do something about it? Like a quick jab up the crotch with a broom bass?
[holds up broom]
See more »
Soundtracks
How I Won The WarWritten by Ken Thorne
Performed by John Lennon (as Musketeer Gripweed and The Third Troop)
See more »
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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!