What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? (1966)

Blake Edwards' 1966 comedy *What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?* plunges audiences into a hilariously absurd scenario during the Allied invasion of Italy. A meticulously by-the-book American Captain, Lionel Cash (played by Dick Shawn), is given the straightforward order to capture the strategically vital village of Valerno. However, the Italian defenders, led by their jovial commander (Vittorio De Sica), are perfectly willing to surrender – provided they can first conclude their annual grape festival. Against his better judgment, Cash is convinced by his free-spirited Lieutenant (James Coburn) that this unusual condition is the only path to a bloodless victory. The charade escalates as constant aerial reconnaissance demands they stage a convincing, if entirely fake, battle to maintain appearances for Allied high command. An increasingly bewildered intelligence officer is dispatched to investigate the escalating peculiarity, all while the celebration itself becomes further complicated by the Captain's unexpected entanglement with the Mayor's spirited daughter (Giovanna Ralli), blurring the lines between duty, deception, and burgeoning romance. This film is a quintessential Blake Edwards picture, embodying his mastery of large-scale, farcical comedy and earning its place among his best works. It brilliantly showcases his signature blend of physical humor, a sharp comedic script that thrives on the clash of cultures and personalities, and an underlying warmth that makes its characters endearing. Edwards expertly orchestrates a chaotic ballet of misunderstanding and elaborate deception, where military precision unravels into joyous pandemonium. The entire premise, a "fake war" scenario, provides fertile ground for classic Edwards set pieces, with characters constantly scrambling to maintain a facade while a genuine party and burgeoning romance erupt around them. Coupled with a memorable, jaunty score by his frequent collaborator Henry Mancini, *What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?* is a delightful testament to Edwards' genius for turning absurd situations into genuinely funny and endearing cinematic experiences.