The Secret War of Harry Frigg (1968)

The Secret War of Harry Frigg Poster

When 5 allied generals are captured in Italy in WWII, it is a propaganda nightmare for the allies. The generals are all 1 star and refuse to take orders from each other in order to plan an escape. Harry Frigg is a private who has escaped from the guard house dozens of times. He is promoted to Major General and ordered to get the generals out once he is captured. Harry is willing to escape, but then he meets the countess...

Introduction
"The Secret War of Harry Frigg" is a 1968 war comedy movie directed by Jack Smight. It is led by a stellar cast including Paul Newman who stars as Pvt. Harry Frigg. The film blends components of humor and experience into a creative plot, set against the background of World War II.

Plot Summary
Paul Newman's character, Pvt. Harry Frigg, is a charming and experienced World War II detainee who has successfully left from penal institution seven times just to be recaptured each time. Ultimately, his skills are remembered of by the army brass and instead of punishing him, they choose to use his escape skills for their objective. 5 top-ranking United States army brass have actually been captured by the Italians, and Frigg is appointed to free them.

Character Development
As a skilled escape artist, Frigg is promoted to 'Major General' and sent out to the Italian vacation home where the high-ranking officers are being held as "visitors" of Colonel Ferrucci. Ferrucci is a likable sort, more thinking about food, red wine and females than war, easily concurring not to tighten up security to permit Frigg to organize an escape. Frigg takes his time, courting a stunning Italian Countess who resides in the substance, more complicating his objective with romance.

Romantic Interlude
Newman's performance is fascinating, delivering his amusing lines with best timing and fascinating appeal. His relationship with Countess Francesca De Montefiore, played by Sylva Koscina, adds a romantic angle to the war film. Their romance ends up being an essential part of the story, offering lots of light-hearted minutes in the middle of the tense escape plans.

Escape Plan and Conclusion
Despite their comfy environments, the generals chafe at being held captive and, led by the uptight Major General Newton Armstrong, they design an escape strategy. Regardless of their collective military experience, they come a cropper. They hesitantly accept follow Harry Frigg's plan. Frigg benefits from Ferrucci's infatuation with the Countess, who is encouraged to sidetrack Ferrucci while the generals perform their escape. The generals reluctantly follow Frigg's strategy and manage to leave, while Frigg stays behind alone with the Countess.

In the end, the movie's climax includes unanticipated twists in the plot, where the success of the objective stands in a fragile balance. They handle to get away and the war ends, putting an effective end to Harry Frigg's secret war. Newman's efficiency, coupled with the humor ingrained within the script, makes this film exceptionally interesting and enjoyable to watch.

Total Impressions
"The Secret War of Harry Frigg" is an amusing and pleasurable movie that weaves together humor and war situations wonderfully. Paul Newman provides an exceptional efficiency, bringing Harry Frigg to life with beauty and humor. The plot is smart, focusing on the unlikely lead character who needs to free his fellow locked up officers while browsing the complexities of love. The film uses a rejuvenating representation of a war motion picture, and its blend of humor, romance, and experience makes it a timeless in its genre.

Top Cast

  • Paul Newman (small)
    Paul Newman
    Pvt. Harry Frigg
  • Sylva Koscina (small)
    Sylva Koscina
    Countess Francesca De Montefiore
  • Andrew Duggan (small)
    Andrew Duggan
    Gen. Newton Armstrong
  • Tom Bosley (small)
    Tom Bosley
    Gen. Roscoe Pennypacker
  • John Williams (small)
    John Williams
    Gen. Francis Mayhew
  • Charles Gray (small)
    Charles Gray
    Gen. Adrian Cox-Roberts
  • Vito Scotti (small)
    Vito Scotti
    Col. Enrico Ferrucci
  • Jacques Roux (small)
    Jacques Roux
    Gen. Andre Rochambeau
  • Werner Peters (small)
    Werner Peters
    Maj. von Steignitz
  • James Gregory (small)
    James Gregory
    Gen. Homer Prentiss
  • Fabrizio Mioni (small)
    Fabrizio Mioni
    Lt. Rossano