22 reviews
Ford scores another deadpan triumph
Advance to the Rear is the last of a string of films that Glenn Ford made with director George Marshall. As an actor/director combination, they don't rate as high as John Wayne/John Ford or Robert DeNiro/Martin Scorsese, but they did turn out a succession of very funny films.
Back at the beginning of Ford's career, Marshall directed him in Texas along with another young star Bill Holden. Than it was almost a decade until they worked together again in one of Ford's best and probably funniest film, The Sheepman.
Ford had not done that much comedy up till then. Marshall took great advantage of Glenn Ford's really great gift for deadpanning some fabulous lines. They did five more films after that and Ford used him in his television series Cade's County. A good director/actor team turning out some great product.
I think George Marshall's not been given his due. He was best at comedy, but could also turn out good westerns. His most noted film, Destry Rides Again is a great blend of both.
Ford is a newly assigned lieutenant in a company that bears a striking resemblance to F Troop. Possibly this film was the inspiration for same. After a major snafu, they are assigned out in the west where it is hoped they cannot do too much damage to the Union cause.
And then it's discovered they are to be protecting a major gold shipment that Confederate guerrilla James Griffith is out to steal. Ford has an additional complication in that he's fallen for Confederate spy Stella Stevens.
You'll have a lot of laughs along the way in seeing if and how all these situations are dealt with. Another performance of note here is Melvyn Douglas as the commanding officer of the company. Douglas, two years past his Oscar for Hud, gets a real change of pace and he looks like he's having a ball playing the bumbling and pompous Colonel Brackenby.
Watch this one and you're in for good afternoon's share of laughs.
Back at the beginning of Ford's career, Marshall directed him in Texas along with another young star Bill Holden. Than it was almost a decade until they worked together again in one of Ford's best and probably funniest film, The Sheepman.
Ford had not done that much comedy up till then. Marshall took great advantage of Glenn Ford's really great gift for deadpanning some fabulous lines. They did five more films after that and Ford used him in his television series Cade's County. A good director/actor team turning out some great product.
I think George Marshall's not been given his due. He was best at comedy, but could also turn out good westerns. His most noted film, Destry Rides Again is a great blend of both.
Ford is a newly assigned lieutenant in a company that bears a striking resemblance to F Troop. Possibly this film was the inspiration for same. After a major snafu, they are assigned out in the west where it is hoped they cannot do too much damage to the Union cause.
And then it's discovered they are to be protecting a major gold shipment that Confederate guerrilla James Griffith is out to steal. Ford has an additional complication in that he's fallen for Confederate spy Stella Stevens.
You'll have a lot of laughs along the way in seeing if and how all these situations are dealt with. Another performance of note here is Melvyn Douglas as the commanding officer of the company. Douglas, two years past his Oscar for Hud, gets a real change of pace and he looks like he's having a ball playing the bumbling and pompous Colonel Brackenby.
Watch this one and you're in for good afternoon's share of laughs.
- bkoganbing
- Jun 23, 2005
- Permalink
Comedy Capers - Civil War style!
This film was shown on Turner Classic Movies and in the absence of other reviews, this review is for the film itself, only. It's also known as "Advance In Reverse".
It's not hard to fall into liking this easy-going and ramshackle comedy, which switches easily from knockabout physical humour (with 'assorted' sound effects) to silly dialogue and a general feel that the assorted misfits of this Union regiment just aren't taking their roles that seriously. The story, for what it is has the regiment being sent out of reach of action but still manage to capture a rebel spy, played by Stella Stevens and they all end up in a heap of trouble. A $2 million gold bullion gets in the mix as do some rather "friendly" Indians.
Glenn Ford is easily the most recognisable as the captain and Melvyn Douglas as the Colonel "in charge" and these two string it all together and he's not bad at comic timing or deadpan delivery. He has a romantic fling with Stevens, as all the regiment do (in their dreams!) Destry Rides Again director George Stevens' film is in widescreen and (here) an attractively dark-greened tinged black & white and which runs for 96mins.
The comedy is gentle and clever rather than broad, or crude and the targets are fairly obvious but as it's all fairly sweet it's all a nicely pleasurable watch rather than anything classic or downright hilarious - though the scene where they storm the camp, dressed in long-johns, with boards on their feet down the dry grass slopes, to the soundtrack of a WW2 fighter plane battle is actually really rather humorous!
It's not hard to fall into liking this easy-going and ramshackle comedy, which switches easily from knockabout physical humour (with 'assorted' sound effects) to silly dialogue and a general feel that the assorted misfits of this Union regiment just aren't taking their roles that seriously. The story, for what it is has the regiment being sent out of reach of action but still manage to capture a rebel spy, played by Stella Stevens and they all end up in a heap of trouble. A $2 million gold bullion gets in the mix as do some rather "friendly" Indians.
Glenn Ford is easily the most recognisable as the captain and Melvyn Douglas as the Colonel "in charge" and these two string it all together and he's not bad at comic timing or deadpan delivery. He has a romantic fling with Stevens, as all the regiment do (in their dreams!) Destry Rides Again director George Stevens' film is in widescreen and (here) an attractively dark-greened tinged black & white and which runs for 96mins.
The comedy is gentle and clever rather than broad, or crude and the targets are fairly obvious but as it's all fairly sweet it's all a nicely pleasurable watch rather than anything classic or downright hilarious - though the scene where they storm the camp, dressed in long-johns, with boards on their feet down the dry grass slopes, to the soundtrack of a WW2 fighter plane battle is actually really rather humorous!
- tim-764-291856
- Oct 22, 2012
- Permalink
Precursor to F Troop?
This is one heckuva fun film. Although a pretty descriptive writeup has already been given, I gotta tip the proverbial hat to what seems to be the inspiration for the F-TROOP television series that debuted the following year. And, the use of balladeers, THE NEW CHRISTY MINSTRELS, to help set scenes for the film hearkens unto many a great "tried and true" stories of the period...including the legendary CAT BALLOU with Stubby Kaye & Nat King Cole as the Balladeers in question.
I am going to have to track this down and plant it near THE HALLELUJAH TRAIL (another good comedy set in the same time period) on my viewing shelf.
I am going to have to track this down and plant it near THE HALLELUJAH TRAIL (another good comedy set in the same time period) on my viewing shelf.
- kymdiamond
- Sep 23, 2007
- Permalink
A B-movie masterpiece
I saw this movie in the basement movie studio of Ytterboe Hall (my freshman college dorm -- alas now only a memory) when it came out 37 years ago. After I got married and settled down, I started scanning the television listings regularly for it. After 20 years, one of the channels started showing it in the wee hours so I managed to tape it. 'Advance To The Rear' is a rare gem.
This movie was made during the short but glorious window of cultural innocence (between R & B and the Rolling Stones) when folk music was as popular as rock. The music is by Randy Sparks and sung by his New Christy Minstrals. The song 'Today' is from this movie.
Stella Stevens, as the Confederate spy, is gorgeous beyond description. Glen Ford plays the bemused hero trying to do things by the book admidst a collection of misfits ('We're a company of cowards and we've come to save the day.'). Jim Backus ('Gilligan's Island' and the voice of Mr. Magoo) leads a familiar cast of veteran supporting actors and actresses of the era. Did I mention that Stella Stevens is good looking?
'Advance To The Rear' is a B-movie masterpiece. One of those rare examples of everything coming together perfectly. For those of us who remember the era, it is also very evocative -- perhaps more so than any other movie of its time. It would be nice if whoever has the rights would release it, my VHS tape is getting a little flaky. By the way, they made an LP of the sound track. Now that be a major garage sale find.
This movie was made during the short but glorious window of cultural innocence (between R & B and the Rolling Stones) when folk music was as popular as rock. The music is by Randy Sparks and sung by his New Christy Minstrals. The song 'Today' is from this movie.
Stella Stevens, as the Confederate spy, is gorgeous beyond description. Glen Ford plays the bemused hero trying to do things by the book admidst a collection of misfits ('We're a company of cowards and we've come to save the day.'). Jim Backus ('Gilligan's Island' and the voice of Mr. Magoo) leads a familiar cast of veteran supporting actors and actresses of the era. Did I mention that Stella Stevens is good looking?
'Advance To The Rear' is a B-movie masterpiece. One of those rare examples of everything coming together perfectly. For those of us who remember the era, it is also very evocative -- perhaps more so than any other movie of its time. It would be nice if whoever has the rights would release it, my VHS tape is getting a little flaky. By the way, they made an LP of the sound track. Now that be a major garage sale find.
- smprescott
- Mar 5, 2001
- Permalink
All's Silly on the Western Front
Comedy is a funny animal. You never know when laughter is going to strike next, and you just never know what you're going to find funny. Recently, I laughed in child-like glee during Walt Disney's "Pinocchio", and all the way through the 1931 French farce "Le Million". I found the 2009 romantic comedy "I Love You, Man" delightful, and I almost had to call 911 I was laughing so hard during "The Sunshine Boys". but Stanley Kramer's laborious, sour, mammoth wannabe laff-fest "It's a Mad (etc.) World" didn't elicit a single chuckle from me. I believe that the harder the film-maker seems to be trying, the less likely it is that he'll succeed. The best comedy, no matter how many hours are spent setting up a gag, must appear as if it happens totally by accident. But one thing for sure - laughter is a gift. I'll take it wherever I can find it.
"Advance to the Rear" is a funny movie. It made me laugh. There you have it. That's my review. Part of me feels that this movie shouldn't work. It's a total contrivance. But it's so feather-light, so airy, so unpretentious, and so good-natured that one just gives in to it. It's as if the film-makers and the actors are saying: "We've put together this little concoction for your amusement, and we hope that you have a good time." It helps that Glenn Ford and Melvyn Douglas are the stars - Ford taking things way too seriously and becoming seriously undone, and Douglas, demoted to Captain, wincing at every mishap and quite beside himself about what his wife will think ("I married well! All my friends are generals!"). Even if you don't think that men running around in their long-johns is funny you might get a hoot out of the injun from West Point, the guy whose scent attracts horses and the ski attack on water barrel rings. As for Stella Stevens - she can be the angel on top of my Christmas tree anytime.
"Advance to the Rear" is a funny movie. It made me laugh. There you have it. That's my review. Part of me feels that this movie shouldn't work. It's a total contrivance. But it's so feather-light, so airy, so unpretentious, and so good-natured that one just gives in to it. It's as if the film-makers and the actors are saying: "We've put together this little concoction for your amusement, and we hope that you have a good time." It helps that Glenn Ford and Melvyn Douglas are the stars - Ford taking things way too seriously and becoming seriously undone, and Douglas, demoted to Captain, wincing at every mishap and quite beside himself about what his wife will think ("I married well! All my friends are generals!"). Even if you don't think that men running around in their long-johns is funny you might get a hoot out of the injun from West Point, the guy whose scent attracts horses and the ski attack on water barrel rings. As for Stella Stevens - she can be the angel on top of my Christmas tree anytime.
- rpvanderlinden
- Apr 13, 2011
- Permalink
Good entertainment!
- JohnHowardReid
- Jun 27, 2017
- Permalink
Some stellar performances make it worth viewing
Civility in war shows off silly senility.
- mark.waltz
- Nov 2, 2016
- Permalink
Anachronistic and kooky....
I noticed there are some serious disagreements about this film--and I can certainly see why. While it is a comedy, its broadness will appeal to some and drive others away. In many ways, it plays like a 1960s sitcom--a kooky one at that. In fact, in many ways it's almost like an "F-Troop" movie, though the humor isn't quite THAT broad.
Glenn Ford plays the second in command in a company of slackers fighting for the Union Army during the Civil War. They are all slackers because their commanding officer (Melvin Douglas) is a lazy incompetent who just wants to do his time, save his skin and do the absolute least necessary. Eventually, this laziness and cowardice results in both these officers and some of their men being court martialed. But, to keep morale strong, instead of having them shot, they ship them West--to keep them out of trouble. And, at the same time, they give the two officers all the assorted riff-raff they can muster--arsonists, psychos, idiots and jerks.
Inexplicably, the Confederates think this company of men begin sent West is part of some important move by the Yankees and send their best spy, Stella Stevens, after them. Stevens is a prostitute and she blends in well with the rest of the girls working for the Madame (Joan Blondell). And, as the horrible company moves westward, the hookers (a term coined during the Civil War) follow Even more inexplicably, the troops end up with important task to protect a gold shipment. And not surprisingly, the men are ill-suited for the job--and a kooky bucking horse scene results as these infantry men are pressed into cavalry duty.However, the most inexplicable aspect of all this is is that Ford KNOWS Stevens is a spy--and yet does not arrest her or take any real precautions to stop her once the gold arrives.
For me, this movie represents the period of Glenn Ford's career that I am not particularly fond of and tend to avoid. With films like "The Gazebo", "The Imitation General" and "Advance to the Rear", he'd pretty much abandoned his tough-guy image I loved from such classics as "Gilda" and "The Big Heat". And, I think it's a shame as he was a very good actor (even in this film). Why did I dislike this style of film? Well, kooky sound effects and music abound throughout the film--like slide whistles, 'dings' and 'boing' sounds (uggh). Frankly, an episode of "The Beverly Hillbillies" is far more subtle and less kooky than this! Some may like it--I certainly didn't and felt the film was a bit painful to watch at times.
Glenn Ford plays the second in command in a company of slackers fighting for the Union Army during the Civil War. They are all slackers because their commanding officer (Melvin Douglas) is a lazy incompetent who just wants to do his time, save his skin and do the absolute least necessary. Eventually, this laziness and cowardice results in both these officers and some of their men being court martialed. But, to keep morale strong, instead of having them shot, they ship them West--to keep them out of trouble. And, at the same time, they give the two officers all the assorted riff-raff they can muster--arsonists, psychos, idiots and jerks.
Inexplicably, the Confederates think this company of men begin sent West is part of some important move by the Yankees and send their best spy, Stella Stevens, after them. Stevens is a prostitute and she blends in well with the rest of the girls working for the Madame (Joan Blondell). And, as the horrible company moves westward, the hookers (a term coined during the Civil War) follow Even more inexplicably, the troops end up with important task to protect a gold shipment. And not surprisingly, the men are ill-suited for the job--and a kooky bucking horse scene results as these infantry men are pressed into cavalry duty.However, the most inexplicable aspect of all this is is that Ford KNOWS Stevens is a spy--and yet does not arrest her or take any real precautions to stop her once the gold arrives.
For me, this movie represents the period of Glenn Ford's career that I am not particularly fond of and tend to avoid. With films like "The Gazebo", "The Imitation General" and "Advance to the Rear", he'd pretty much abandoned his tough-guy image I loved from such classics as "Gilda" and "The Big Heat". And, I think it's a shame as he was a very good actor (even in this film). Why did I dislike this style of film? Well, kooky sound effects and music abound throughout the film--like slide whistles, 'dings' and 'boing' sounds (uggh). Frankly, an episode of "The Beverly Hillbillies" is far more subtle and less kooky than this! Some may like it--I certainly didn't and felt the film was a bit painful to watch at times.
- planktonrules
- Apr 23, 2011
- Permalink
Deserved an Oscar for 'The silliest Civil War Western of the Year'! Hee Haw
- estherwalker-34710
- Feb 18, 2023
- Permalink
"Advance to the Rear" is stuck in reverse...
Glenn Ford wades through this lame-duck comedy in his usual low-keyed, somewhat bashful manner playing a Union army captain in 1862 who is sent out west with an outfit comprised of foul-ups--and one irritating soldier prone to hiccups. Rebel spy Stella Stevens, posing as a prostitute, tries reeling Ford in as he attempts to thwart the hijacking of a gold shipment by stagecoach. Completely lackluster comedy full of pratfalls and fisticuffs, coy attempts at titillation, and a supporting cast of shouters (General Jim Backus is the worst offender). Melvyn Douglas shouts, too, as the Colonel, but he and Ford work well together when the material gives them a chance. Otherwise, desperation time. * from ****
- moonspinner55
- May 2, 2011
- Permalink
A Rare Gem OF A Movie
It is impossible to see this film and not find it intelligently hilarious. You will laugh your way through it and never once feel your time has been wasted. The premise is simple and, in an odd way, that may in fact be it's strength.
During the last days of the Civil War, a contingent of Union soldiers, have made an uneasy accommodation with their Confederate counterparts stationed a few miles away. Every day at a certain time, each side fires a round of cannon fire at the other, timed to a deliberate miss. The aim of both sides is to, hopefully, last out the war in this manner: reasonably safe and secure.
This arrangement works quite well, until a brash headstrong Union Captain (played well by Glenn Ford)decides,on his own, to go out and capture a few of the "enemy". This of course forces their equally reluctant "enemy" to retaliate.
Ford's Commander,(played with exquisite timing by veteran actor Melvyn Douglas) is horrified. "What have you done?" he shouts at him, "take them back! How many times have I instructed you not to show initiative?" From this point on, the humor escalates and never ceases.
Staffed by some of the most recognized character actors of the time, we are treated to a highly skilled portrayal of an incredibly believable assortment of military misfits. What makes them believable is that their characterizations are delivered with depth. And this, in a sense, makes them somewhat realistic and all the more funnier.
This high caliber B-film is well scripted and, to it's credit, is finally being recognized for the cinematic gem that it is. My advice to all film lovers is to seek out this almost forgotten treasure. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
During the last days of the Civil War, a contingent of Union soldiers, have made an uneasy accommodation with their Confederate counterparts stationed a few miles away. Every day at a certain time, each side fires a round of cannon fire at the other, timed to a deliberate miss. The aim of both sides is to, hopefully, last out the war in this manner: reasonably safe and secure.
This arrangement works quite well, until a brash headstrong Union Captain (played well by Glenn Ford)decides,on his own, to go out and capture a few of the "enemy". This of course forces their equally reluctant "enemy" to retaliate.
Ford's Commander,(played with exquisite timing by veteran actor Melvyn Douglas) is horrified. "What have you done?" he shouts at him, "take them back! How many times have I instructed you not to show initiative?" From this point on, the humor escalates and never ceases.
Staffed by some of the most recognized character actors of the time, we are treated to a highly skilled portrayal of an incredibly believable assortment of military misfits. What makes them believable is that their characterizations are delivered with depth. And this, in a sense, makes them somewhat realistic and all the more funnier.
This high caliber B-film is well scripted and, to it's credit, is finally being recognized for the cinematic gem that it is. My advice to all film lovers is to seek out this almost forgotten treasure. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
needs a funny one
Union Capt. Jared Heath (Glenn Ford) captures a few prisoners, but that's the last thing that Col. Claude Brackenby (Melvyn Douglas) actually wants. Brackenby likes his sector quiet where nothing ever happens. Suddenly, some real fighting flares up. Heath is ordered to attack, but the men mistakenly retreat. Both Heath and Brackenby face court martial. The court figures that it's easier to send them and their misfit outfit as far away west as possible into Indian territory. The Confederates are confused. They suspect that the new arrivals are crack troupes out to guard a valuable Union gold shipment and send operative Martha Lou Williams (Stella Stevens) to investigate.
This is trying to be a broad comedy, but I'm not laughing that much. Glenn Ford is not silly enough. He can be the straight man, but he needs a funny sidekick. It's over forty minutes before Stella Stevens and Glenn Ford meet up. It's a bit late but it has good rom-com potential nevertheless. It is funny to see Alan Hale Jr. If one thinks about Gilligan's Island, he's the straight man while Gilligan is the funny one. This movie needs a funny one.
This is trying to be a broad comedy, but I'm not laughing that much. Glenn Ford is not silly enough. He can be the straight man, but he needs a funny sidekick. It's over forty minutes before Stella Stevens and Glenn Ford meet up. It's a bit late but it has good rom-com potential nevertheless. It is funny to see Alan Hale Jr. If one thinks about Gilligan's Island, he's the straight man while Gilligan is the funny one. This movie needs a funny one.
- SnoopyStyle
- Aug 5, 2023
- Permalink
Advance to the Rear...A quirky romantic comedy action adventure western war movie all in one
Advance to the Rear (1964) I love quirky romantic comedies, westerns (some with humor when it works), and fun action-adventure, but I can't stand anything about the Civil War. I DVR'd (if that's not a word, I'm making it one) this movie for two reasons. 1.) I have a newfound crush on Glenn Ford after seeing him in Dear Heart. 2.) A poster on the Dear Heart board said a good Glenn Ford comedy was coming on TCM this spring. So, when I saw this film was a Glenn Ford comedy, I just naturally assumed I'd stumbled across her recommendation and DVR'd it. All things happen for a reason. I was meant to discover a quirky romantic comedy action adventure western war movie all in one. That doesn't happen often. I'm not sure it can happen again.
Regardless, I was sort of ho-hum about the Civil War part, but I thought I'd cheer up my poor husband who was sick with food poisoning (duck from a nice restaurant, not my cooking). I was already pretty interested after Robert Osborne's introduction before the first scene played. The setup before the credits was a good teaser, and by the time the credits rolled I was hopeful. I knew I was hooked the minute Glenn Ford was taunting the rebs with talk of fried chicken. Then I was absolutely rolling when Ford and Douglas had their first scene and the first of many disagreements. They played off of each other so well. Douglas had his leading man days in his younger years, but some of my favorite roles are supporting ones. He sparred superbly with Cary Grant in Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House.
By now I'd made up my mind that this was in no way going to be a dreary Civil War film. The next test was Stella Stevens. I saw her in a cute Dean Martin film and was just so thankful she didn't have on a buxom bikini and a Swedish accent and ended up liking the movie. To my delight, she's a beautiful rebel spy that appears to still have her virtue. That's hard to find in movies now, but it really makes for a clean, fun classic film which is what I enjoy the most. Through a series of preposterous events, Ford becomes involved with Stevens and their chemistry was just perfect and their banter adorable.
The supporting cast included Joan Blondell, Alan Hale (Jr.), Jim Backus, and a lot of other familiar faces from my days of watching great TV and movies on rainy days long ago. The stunts were very creative, the horse scenes were humorous, the crazy Company Q was comprised of the most perfectly matched bunch of misfits. The only one remotely sane was Ford, the suave and charming straight man. Finally, the film actually had a plausible plot that ended up making sense and everyone happy. Other than a few over the top slapstick scenes, I enjoyed this silly treasure. It even got a few chuckles out of my sick husband before he fell back asleep.
What a great Sunday afternoon treat and one I'll want to see again! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves fun classic but totally unique quirky romantic comedy action adventure western war movies all in one.
Regardless, I was sort of ho-hum about the Civil War part, but I thought I'd cheer up my poor husband who was sick with food poisoning (duck from a nice restaurant, not my cooking). I was already pretty interested after Robert Osborne's introduction before the first scene played. The setup before the credits was a good teaser, and by the time the credits rolled I was hopeful. I knew I was hooked the minute Glenn Ford was taunting the rebs with talk of fried chicken. Then I was absolutely rolling when Ford and Douglas had their first scene and the first of many disagreements. They played off of each other so well. Douglas had his leading man days in his younger years, but some of my favorite roles are supporting ones. He sparred superbly with Cary Grant in Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House.
By now I'd made up my mind that this was in no way going to be a dreary Civil War film. The next test was Stella Stevens. I saw her in a cute Dean Martin film and was just so thankful she didn't have on a buxom bikini and a Swedish accent and ended up liking the movie. To my delight, she's a beautiful rebel spy that appears to still have her virtue. That's hard to find in movies now, but it really makes for a clean, fun classic film which is what I enjoy the most. Through a series of preposterous events, Ford becomes involved with Stevens and their chemistry was just perfect and their banter adorable.
The supporting cast included Joan Blondell, Alan Hale (Jr.), Jim Backus, and a lot of other familiar faces from my days of watching great TV and movies on rainy days long ago. The stunts were very creative, the horse scenes were humorous, the crazy Company Q was comprised of the most perfectly matched bunch of misfits. The only one remotely sane was Ford, the suave and charming straight man. Finally, the film actually had a plausible plot that ended up making sense and everyone happy. Other than a few over the top slapstick scenes, I enjoyed this silly treasure. It even got a few chuckles out of my sick husband before he fell back asleep.
What a great Sunday afternoon treat and one I'll want to see again! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves fun classic but totally unique quirky romantic comedy action adventure western war movies all in one.
Lots of laughs
Glenn Ford is solid as usual. It is the rest of the cast that make this film fun. Melvyn Douglas and Joan Blondell are at their comic best. Stella Stevens is also quite funny and at the height of her beauty and gets the full grooming treatment by MGM's William Tuttle and Sydney Guillaroff.
One of the Most Hilarious Comedies of All Time; Seminal and Consistent
As others are who have studied the long and estimable body of his work, I am a great admirer of George Marshall. The versatile director had an ability to tell a story with a camera that was legendary; in "Advance to the Rear" he found, I suggest, one of his richest hoards of cinematic possibilities. The story-line of this rare historical comedy takes the viewer back to the final days of the Civil War is winding to an inevitable close; so the commander of one contingent of union soldiers has made a separate truce with his Confederate counterpart. At a prearranged time, a single cannon round, fired to miss, is set off by each side. And that is their daily war. Period. This life-preserving but odd arrangement works quite well, until a youthful officer, recently posted to the "Company of Cowards", the name in the original novel from which the narrative was extracted, sallies forth and captures some of "the Rebs". This precipitate action of course obliges their equally reluctant "enemies" to do something else, that starts to look like an act of war. "What have you done?" the union Colonel bellows at him, "Take them back! How many times have I instructed you not to show initiative?" The company depicted obviously bears a striking resemblance to "F Troop"; this film was undoubtedly the model for that enjoyable TV series.. After a major mess ensues, the group are dispatched to the West where it is hoped they cannot do too much damage to the Union cause. And then the viewer learns these misfits will have to protect a large gold shipment that Confederate guerrillas will really be trying to make away with.. The young officer has another thorn in his side; the complication is that he has fallen head-over-heels for a gung-ho and gorgeous female Confederate spy. What happens next has to be seen to be howled at. The actors in this colorful comedy-and adventure and romance are under-appreciated Glenn Ford, the ultra-skilled award-level Melvyn Douglas as the Union colonel in question, Stella Stevens as the well-constructed spy, and a large number of very good supporting actors including Jim Backus, Joan Blondell, Whit Bissell, Andrew Prine, Jesse Pearson, Michael Pate, Alan Hale, Jr., James Griffith, and many more in smaller roles. The writers credited with this hilarious screenplay, probably also an inspiration for "Hogan's Heroes" included veteran screenwriter William Bowers, Robert Carson, Samuel A. Peeples and Jack Schaefer. The music was provided by Randy Sparks, the vivid cinematography by the talented Milton Krasner. The very fine art direction was done by George W. Davis and George Imazu, with set decoration by Budd Friend and tasteful Henry Grace, with costumes by Walter Plunkett, makeup by the legendary William Tuttle and hairstyles by Sydney Guilaroff. This is a film which has everything I suggest that a comedy could ask for--a strong central character, a clear set of goals, well- developed characters, humor born out of situation, character and reaction, and a first-rate production in the hands of a director who gives every moment its due but never slows down the pace. Please watch this feature the next time it is presented; I believe you will appreciate its classic comedy mood as much as I do. I suggest it is a one-of-kind comedy although very often imitated.
- silverscreen888
- Jul 27, 2005
- Permalink
'Advance to the Rear' seems a surprisingly timeless and genuinely funny comedy
- Cristi_Ciopron
- Jan 22, 2009
- Permalink
An Amusing But Lightweight Civil War Comedy of Errors
See This Film Before Reading The Book
I have just finished reading Jack Schaefer's book, "Company of Cowards", and by coincidence, I watched this film on TCM this morning. I have to say that, apart from the names of some of the characters, this film bears very little resemblance to the book. For example, in the film, the character of Hugo Zattig, is a villainous and duplicitous, Confederate officer, played by James Griffith. In the book, the character is one of the "Company of Cowards", whose honour is redeemed at the end of the book.
Technically, the book was a historical novel, centred around the fictional character of Jared Heath, himself a disgraced Union officer, busted to sergeant, who was detailed to take charge of a company of other disgraced officers who had also been demoted for crimes such as desertion, disobedience, brawling and other such offences that are not tolerated in any Army, past or present. The end of the novel describes how Jared Heath and his "Company of Cowards" manage to redeem themselves during a heroic battle against Comanche and the Kiowa Indians, with a few of them giving their own lives in the heat of battle.
I should imagine that the producers and MGM had a lot of debate about how this film should be made. Was it to be a film about the true horrors of war and how disgraced soldiers were treated by the other troopers, as depicted in the novel? No, it was to be made as a knockabout comedy, directed by George Marshall, who had already directed James Stewart in "Destry Rides Again" and Glen Ford in a few other films, such as another comedy western, "The Sheepman".
A question had already asked as to whether the television comedy series, "F Troop" was loosely based on this film. Well, as the series was released on ABC a year later, it is probably more than a coincidence that the producers of the series did take some inspiration from this film. Ken Berry would have been a more naïve version of the Glen Ford character.
Jack Schaefer's novel was a very serious study on how the American Civil War was fought, which went on to describe the horror of fighting in the Indians Wars, when many hostile Indian tribes took advantage of the fact that the "white men" were distracted with fighting each other.
There were also some political comments about why the Union government kept changing its mind as to the reason for the war, starting out with political wrangles about why the Federal Government should have control over the distant Southern States; with the economic disparity between the Southern States and the Northern States; the need to keep the Union together; and, finally, the Abolition of Slavery.
Jack Schaefer wrote "Shane", one of the greatest and most realistic westerns ever written and filmed - I wonder what he thought of how his original novel was brought to the screen.
I will give the film 8 out of 10 for the lively performances of Glen Ford and the lovely Stella Stevens.
Technically, the book was a historical novel, centred around the fictional character of Jared Heath, himself a disgraced Union officer, busted to sergeant, who was detailed to take charge of a company of other disgraced officers who had also been demoted for crimes such as desertion, disobedience, brawling and other such offences that are not tolerated in any Army, past or present. The end of the novel describes how Jared Heath and his "Company of Cowards" manage to redeem themselves during a heroic battle against Comanche and the Kiowa Indians, with a few of them giving their own lives in the heat of battle.
I should imagine that the producers and MGM had a lot of debate about how this film should be made. Was it to be a film about the true horrors of war and how disgraced soldiers were treated by the other troopers, as depicted in the novel? No, it was to be made as a knockabout comedy, directed by George Marshall, who had already directed James Stewart in "Destry Rides Again" and Glen Ford in a few other films, such as another comedy western, "The Sheepman".
A question had already asked as to whether the television comedy series, "F Troop" was loosely based on this film. Well, as the series was released on ABC a year later, it is probably more than a coincidence that the producers of the series did take some inspiration from this film. Ken Berry would have been a more naïve version of the Glen Ford character.
Jack Schaefer's novel was a very serious study on how the American Civil War was fought, which went on to describe the horror of fighting in the Indians Wars, when many hostile Indian tribes took advantage of the fact that the "white men" were distracted with fighting each other.
There were also some political comments about why the Union government kept changing its mind as to the reason for the war, starting out with political wrangles about why the Federal Government should have control over the distant Southern States; with the economic disparity between the Southern States and the Northern States; the need to keep the Union together; and, finally, the Abolition of Slavery.
Jack Schaefer wrote "Shane", one of the greatest and most realistic westerns ever written and filmed - I wonder what he thought of how his original novel was brought to the screen.
I will give the film 8 out of 10 for the lively performances of Glen Ford and the lovely Stella Stevens.
- andyrobert
- Jun 21, 2021
- Permalink
better than three stooges and laurel and hardy combined
- loydmooney-1
- Jan 9, 2007
- Permalink
Not the typical comedy, and not the typical hero.
Honestly, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Initially, I wanted to see it because my favorite camp song, Today, was written for it. I've been searching for it on my cable guide for years and finally found it. I was surprised how fun it was!
A hilarious tribute take on the Civil War
Melvyn Douglas is hilarious in Advance to the Rear! He was primarily a comic actor in the silver screen, with very few dramatic roles under his belt, but in this '60s flick in his later years, he ramps up his comedic talents and steals the show. He plays the commanding officer of a Union company during the Civil War, and he's completely inept. He warns his troops not to harm the other side, lest it "make them mad" and lead to actual battles. He contradicts his own orders, and even crawls under a tent when the shooting starts. It's no wonder Glenn Ford, one of his top soldiers, feels frustrated.
Glenn is pretty much the only competent soldier, and while watching this band of misfits, it's hard to believe they won the war. As if they don't have enough obstacles, Southern belle Stella Stevens joins them. She pretends to be a hooker cozying up to Glenn, but really she's a Confederate spy! Stella is as cute as it gets, and Glenn Ford matches her banter with charm and smarts. In one fantastic scene, he calls her bluff and starts undressing in his bedroom, thinking she'll admit she's not really a prostitute.
With cute songs from The New Christy Minstrels, and a supporting cast including Jim Backus, Alan Hale Jr., Whit Bissell, and Joan Blondell, this movie is an adorable time capsule from the 1960s. It's no easy to task to make a comedy out of the Civil War, but they managed to do it! I've already bought the original novel Company of Cowards, and I hope it'll be just as charming and funny as the screenplay. Check this movie out if you haven't seen it yet. Where else can you find Melvyn Douglas getting frisky and trying to climb into bed with Stella Stevens? That's really a once-in-a-career opportunity for him.
Glenn is pretty much the only competent soldier, and while watching this band of misfits, it's hard to believe they won the war. As if they don't have enough obstacles, Southern belle Stella Stevens joins them. She pretends to be a hooker cozying up to Glenn, but really she's a Confederate spy! Stella is as cute as it gets, and Glenn Ford matches her banter with charm and smarts. In one fantastic scene, he calls her bluff and starts undressing in his bedroom, thinking she'll admit she's not really a prostitute.
With cute songs from The New Christy Minstrels, and a supporting cast including Jim Backus, Alan Hale Jr., Whit Bissell, and Joan Blondell, this movie is an adorable time capsule from the 1960s. It's no easy to task to make a comedy out of the Civil War, but they managed to do it! I've already bought the original novel Company of Cowards, and I hope it'll be just as charming and funny as the screenplay. Check this movie out if you haven't seen it yet. Where else can you find Melvyn Douglas getting frisky and trying to climb into bed with Stella Stevens? That's really a once-in-a-career opportunity for him.
- HotToastyRag
- Sep 25, 2023
- Permalink