The Secret War of Harry Frigg (1968)

39% of users liked it
(69 ratings)

This World War II comedy finds Harry Frigg (Paul Newman) as the unwilling volunteer slated to rescue five generals from the clutches of the Germans and Italians. Frigg would rather spend his time goofing off than fighting the war, but his superiors make him a fake general and pack him off to… More This World War II comedy finds Harry Frigg (Paul Newman) as the unwilling volunteer slated to rescue five generals from the clutches of the Germans and Italians. Frigg would rather spend his time goofing off than fighting the war, but his superiors make him a fake general and pack him off to retrieve the top brass. He has a romantic interest in the Countess (Sylva Koscina), an Italian beauty who helps Harry locate the missing officers. Tom Bosley, Andrew Duggan, Charles D. Gray, Jacques Roux and John Williams are the five generals who carry most of the comedy. Normal Fell and Buck Henry excel in small roles as well. General Prentiss (James Gregory) is the brains behind the plan that finds the frustrated Frigg rise to the occasion when he reluctantly accepts his assignment. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 2 hr. 3 min.
Directed By: Jack Smight
Written By: Peter Stone
Genres: Comedy

In Theaters: Feb 29, 1968 Wide

Critic Reviews

Variety Staff, Variety
Strong story premise, excellent supporting cast and generally good dialog work to smooth over sometimes static direction and sluggish pacing.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
I've seen lousy movies before, but never one that seemed ashamed of itself. At times the actors seem to be in pain, and the movie itself is down-at-the-mouth and desperately boring.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Paul Newman is miscast in this potentially funny farce, which doesn't live up to its gimmicky title.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Although Newman's performance here is unquestionably of the hit-and-miss variety, he does manage to generate more than a few laughs with his glib delivery of some very funny lines.