This early (1969) film by Richard Attenborough depicts the events of World War I satirically as the "Great Game of War." The plot focuses vaguely on the Smith family as they go off to fight but is stylized, with much of the "action" taking place at a seaside carnival/boardwalk, and Europe's leaders wandering and arguing across a large room whose floor is a map of the continent. Famous and infamous incidents from the war are briefly depicted, with a sort of musical-hall lightness (many of the songs of the era are performed) and farcical savagery. The supporting cast includes many greats of the British stage: John Gielgud, Laurence Olivier, Michael Redgrave, Vanessa Redgrave, Ralph Richardson, Maggie Smith, Susannah York, as well as a few faces that would become more familiar later, such as Ian Holm, Edward Fox, Dirk Bogarde, and (in a tiny, uncredited role) Jane Seymour. An oddly memorable piece of work, written mostly by spy novelist Len Deighton based on a play by Charles Chilton and a musical play by Joan Littlewood.
Click here to see the rest of this review...
The review of this Movie prepared by David Loftus
