It is not often that a musical is transferred to screen and not look awful. This film is an exception. If anything, it is even improved by the transition to film.
From the moment the imperial families of Europe are invited to "take their partners," the watchword of this film is irony. There are some memorable scenes: the face of the now-voiceless Jack Hawkins as the Austrian emperor, the officers playing leapfrog, and finally the rows upon rows of gravestones at the end to make the audience ask :"for what?" The film is well shot, and is a very good directorial debut for Richard Attenborough.
From the moment the imperial families of Europe are invited to "take their partners," the watchword of this film is irony. There are some memorable scenes: the face of the now-voiceless Jack Hawkins as the Austrian emperor, the officers playing leapfrog, and finally the rows upon rows of gravestones at the end to make the audience ask :"for what?" The film is well shot, and is a very good directorial debut for Richard Attenborough.