Wake Me When It's Over
Wake Me When It's Over

Movie spotlight

Wake Me When It's Over

1960
Movie
126 min
English

The war may be over, but that doesn't keep the hapless Gus Brubaker from being drafted and posted on a forgotten little Japanese Island...and that's just the beginning of this wacky Air Force adventure!

Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Director: Mervyn LeRoyGenres: Comedy, War

Plot Summary

A naive American soldier, mistakenly believed to be dead during World War II, finds himself enjoying a comfortable life in a German prisoner of war camp. He goes to great lengths to maintain this charade, even when his supposed death is being mourned by his superiors and his sweetheart back home. The situation becomes complicated when he meets other prisoners and a German officer who is suspicious of his supposed demise.

Critical Reception

Wake Me When It's Over was met with mixed reviews, with many critics finding its premise amusing but the execution somewhat uneven. While audiences appreciated the comedic elements and the performances of its cast, particularly Dick Shawn, the film's attempts at blending war with slapstick comedy didn't always land effectively, leading to a reception that was more amused than deeply impressed.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its lighthearted approach to a potentially somber subject.

  • Dick Shawn's performance as the 'dead' soldier was a highlight for many.

  • Some found the humor to be a bit too broad and the plot predictable.

Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce, but those available generally found the film to be a diverting comedy with a quirky premise. Some viewers enjoyed the escape from typical war movie fare, while others found the humor to be dated.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Theodore H. White, who also wrote 'The Making of the President 1960'.

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