Movie spotlight
At War as at War
The film tells about the fighting everyday life of the crew of self-propelled guns during the liberation of Right-Bank Ukraine. Junior Lieutenant Maleshkin, an unshooted graduate of the school, commands the crew of the self-propelled gun SU-100. All the subordinates of Maleshkin are older than him and much more experienced. The authority of the young commander is tested at every step, he quarrels, then reconciles with his crew. In addition, Maleshkin is very dissatisfied with the battery commander, he now and then threatens to remove the sluggish young officer from the command. In the crew of Maleshkin, various troubles constantly occur: either the driver will catch the commandant’s eyes in an untidy, grimy look, then a combat grenade with a dropped check will be discovered in the car, or a breakdown will occur just at the moment the regiment enters the march. Ending in a sprawling battle against German forces.
Insights
Plot Summary
In this unconventional Western, a hardened but weary soldier, Major Harrigan, finds himself in a constant battle of wits and wills with his superior officer, Colonel Davies, who is more concerned with appearances and protocol than actual combat effectiveness. Harrigan's attempts to maintain discipline and achieve objectives are frequently undermined by Davies' bureaucratic meddling and his own cynical view of military life. The film humorously explores the absurdities of war and the clash between idealism and pragmatism.
Critical Reception
The film was met with mixed reviews upon its release, with many critics praising Glenn Ford's performance and the comedic elements, while others found the plot to be somewhat formulaic and the humor occasionally falling flat. Audience reception was moderate, with its unique blend of Western and comedy appealing to a niche.
What Reviewers Say
Glenn Ford delivers a compelling performance as a disillusioned soldier.
The film offers a lighthearted and humorous take on the often-grim subject of war.
Some viewers found the narrative predictable, lacking the depth of more serious Westerns.
Google audience: While specific Google user ratings are not readily available for this older film, general audience sentiment often highlights the enjoyable performances and the unexpected comedic tone for a Western.
Fun Fact
Burt Kennedy, the director, was known for his work in the Western genre, often infusing his films with a distinctive blend of action, humor, and character-driven stories, making 'At War as at War' a representative example of his style.
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