The Americanization of Emily (1964)

100% of critics liked it
(11 reviews)
79% of users liked it
(2,306 ratings)

The lively but somehow slightly distasteful The Americanization of Emily stars James Garner as a WWII naval officer who happens to be a craven coward. While his comrades sail off to their deaths, Garner makes himself scarce, generally hiding out in the London flat of his lothario navy buddy James… More The lively but somehow slightly distasteful The Americanization of Emily stars James Garner as a WWII naval officer who happens to be a craven coward. While his comrades sail off to their deaths, Garner makes himself scarce, generally hiding out in the London flat of his lothario navy buddy James Coburn. Garner falls in love with virtuous war widow Julie Andrews (the "Emily" of the title), but she can't abide his yellow streak. Meanwhile, crack-brained admiral Melvyn Douglas decides that he needs a hero--the first man to die on Omaha Beach during the D-Day Invasion. Coburn is at first elected for this sacrifice, but it is the quivering Garner who ends up hitting the beach. He survives to become a hero in spite of himself, winning Andrews in the process. Paddy Chayefsky's script, based on the novel by William Bradford Huie, attempts to extract humor out of the horrors of war by using broad, vulgar comedy instead of the light satirical touch that would seem to be called for. Americanization of Emily was Julie Andrews' second film; it should have led to a steady stream of adult-oriented roles, but the box-office clout of Mary Poppins and The Sound of Music consigned her to "wholesome family entertainment". ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 57 min.
Directed By: Arthur Hiller
Written By: Paddy Chayefsky, Paddy Chayevsky
Genres: Drama, Romance, Classics, Comedy

In Theaters: Oct 27, 1964 Wide
On DVD: May 10, 2005

Critic Reviews

Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Another director (not Arthur Hiller) would have been more suitable in translating to the big screen Paddy Chayefky's witty WWII serio-comedy.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
I would have appreciated the film more if it was less talky and if it didn't completely ignore the obvious that fighting madman Hitler was necessary.
Nick Schager, Slant Magazine
Though a bit overstuffed with long-winded speeches, Chayefsky's scabrously funny script brims with snappy, crackling dialogue.
Nick Schager, Slant Magazine
The all-time favorite film of men who like to walk in on their friends having sex.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Classic anti-war comedy. Ahead of its time.

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Featured Audience Ratings

EightThirty .

09/02/2010 (ONLINE) I really had no idea what was going on for a while, but I held on and allowed myself to get in tune with the flavor. Although this is not my cup of tea, I must say it was quite a treat. The characters are quite enjoyable and when you begin to understand the… More
09/02/2010 (ONLINE) I really had no idea what was going on for a while, but I held on and allowed myself to get in tune with the flavor. Although this is not my cup of tea, I must say it was quite a treat. The characters are quite enjoyable and when you begin to understand the style and blends of humorous tones you start laughing a little harder and the appreciation begins to reveal how amazing this film actually is! This is, I would say is a "Romantic Comedy". I loved James Coburn's performance, he really draws light to the film making the experience of viewing this film that much better. Watching this has definitely kindled an interest in me for Silver Screen movies. This new fondness will lead me in considering more movies like this. Black and White.