Sgt. Bilko is a well-liked conman in charge of the army base's motor pool, developing a hover tank and unofficially of gambling etc. One man hates Bilko and he's coming to inspect the base for possible closure.
The remake of the 1970 Neil Simon comedy follows the adventures of a couple, Henry and Nancy Clark, vexed by misfortune while in New York City for a job interview.
With the help of a talking freeway billboard, a wacky weatherman tries to win the heart of an English newspaper reporter, who is struggling to make sense of the strange world of early 1990s Los Angeles.
Director:
Mick Jackson
Stars:
Steve Martin,
Victoria Tennant,
Richard E. Grant
A simple minded, sheltered country boy suddenly decides to leave his family home to experience life in the big city, where his naivety is both his best friend, and worst enemy.
Director:
Carl Reiner
Stars:
Steve Martin,
Bernadette Peters,
Catlin Adams
Sgt. Bilko is in charge of the Motor Pool at an Army base. He's also a good-natured con man, providing gambling facilities for the soldiers on base. When an old enemy from his past shows up to inspect his records and steal away his fianceé, Sgt. Bilko has to put his skills to creative use...Written by
Afterburner <aburner@erols.com>
Fort Baxter must be located somewhere in California. It is within driving distance of Lake Tahoe and Las Vegas, and at one point a reference is made to return the horse to Knott's Berry Farm, which is located in Southern California. See more »
Goofs
During the wedding ceremony at the end of the movie, Rita is still holding her cards from their game of showdown. In the wide shots the cards are stacked together in her hand. But, in the closeup they are fanned out. See more »
Quotes
Wally:
Permission to speak freely, Sarge.
Bilko:
Permission? What, are we in Russia? Say anything you want.
See more »
Crazy Credits
"The filmmakers gratefully acknowledge the total lack of cooperation from the United States Army." See more »
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.
30 of 37 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful to you?
| Report this
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.