Cast
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Laurence Olivier
as Field Marshal Sir John French
Vanessa Redgrave
as Sylvia Pankhurst
Maggie Smith
as Music Hall Star
John Mills
as Field Marshall Sir Douglas Haig
Corin Redgrave
as Bertie Smith
Maurice Roëves
as George Smith
Ian Holm
as President Poincare
Juliet Mills
as Nurse
Michael Bates
as Drunk Lance Corporal
Edward Fox
as Aide to Field-Marshal Haig
Dirk Bogarde
as Stephen
Jean-Pierre Cassel
as French Colonel
John Clements
as Gen. von Moltke
John Gielgud
as Count Leopold Von Berchtold
Jack Hawkins
as Emperor Franz Josef
Crew
Director
- Richard Attenborough
Writer
- Joan Littlewood
Producer
- Richard Attenborough
- Brian Duffy
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Oh! What a Lovely War represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Music/War cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Richard Attenborough brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1969, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Oh! What a Lovely War took approximately 17 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 138 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 164 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1562 individual shots.
- The costume department created over 435 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 1969, when this film was released:
- The space race between the USSR and USA was at its height.
- Social and cultural revolution was transforming Western societies.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Oh! What a Lovely War shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike 15', which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Oh! What a Lovely War offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like We'll Test It on Humans and Tropic Thunder explore similar territory, Oh! What a Lovely War stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: March 10, 1969
- Runtime: 2h 18m
