The Secret War of Harry Frigg should be shared with everyone. It's a delightful romp, set during WWII. A group of Allied generals have gone at got themselves captured. They find themselves in a pleasant Italian prison camp; a villa, commanded by a former hotelier, Vitto Scotti. The generals are of equal rank, so no one can seem to take command of their "escape" attempts; not that they are trying too hard. Enter Pvt. Harry Frigg.
Frigg, a chronic escaper, finds himself promoted above corporal, all the war to major general. He is tasked to lead the generals in an escape and bring them back. This sounds fine and dandy, until Frigg meets the one thing he can't escape, the Contessa. Add the Germans to the mix, and Frigg's plans become even more complicated.
Paul Newman is first rate here, showing a flair for comedy that he rarely seems to get a chance to display. He is backed up by a terrific cast of great character actors. The romance with the Contessa is quite charming, with the simple Frigg learning that true nobility comes from within, not from birth.
This is a wonderful overlooked gem that deserves to be seen. It's a lighthearted bit of fun, much like Hogan's Heroes, What Did You Do in the War Daddy, and Operation Petticoat. Definitely worth seeking out.
Frigg, a chronic escaper, finds himself promoted above corporal, all the war to major general. He is tasked to lead the generals in an escape and bring them back. This sounds fine and dandy, until Frigg meets the one thing he can't escape, the Contessa. Add the Germans to the mix, and Frigg's plans become even more complicated.
Paul Newman is first rate here, showing a flair for comedy that he rarely seems to get a chance to display. He is backed up by a terrific cast of great character actors. The romance with the Contessa is quite charming, with the simple Frigg learning that true nobility comes from within, not from birth.
This is a wonderful overlooked gem that deserves to be seen. It's a lighthearted bit of fun, much like Hogan's Heroes, What Did You Do in the War Daddy, and Operation Petticoat. Definitely worth seeking out.