The absolute standout as a "spaced-out" hippie tank commander. Despite being a 20-year anachronism for the era, his "positive waves" energy is the film's comedic soul.
Kelly's Heroes (1970) Review Kelly's Heroes is a brazenly cynical war heist comedy that feels more like a product of the countercultural late '60s than the 1940s. Directed by Brian G. Hutton, it trades the typical patriotism of WWII films for pure, unadulterated greed. The Plot: Gold Over Glory Kelly's Heroes
Rickles brings his signature abrasive wit as "Crapgame," while Savalas provides the necessary balance as the skeptical Sergeant Big Joe. Technical Highlights The absolute standout as a "spaced-out" hippie tank
Lalo Schifrin’s jaunty score and the anachronistic theme song "Burning Bridges" perfectly capture the film's irreverent, anti-authoritarian spirit. Verdict: A Cult Classic Directed by Brian G
For a deeper dive into how Kelly's Heroes compares to other iconic war films, check out this podcast discussion:
While critics at the time gave it mixed reviews, Kelly's Heroes has aged into a cult favorite. Clint Eastwood originally favored a darker, grittier anti-war script, but the studio's shift toward a lighthearted action-adventure created something unique: a "feel-good war movie" that manages to be both cynical and incredibly fun.
The story follows Private Kelly (Clint Eastwood) and a misfit crew who go AWOL after discovering a secret stash of Nazi gold behind enemy lines. It’s essentially The Italian Job meets The Dirty Dozen , turning the horrors of war into a "fun with the boys" caper. While the pacing is occasionally meandering, the sheer charisma of the ensemble keeps the heist engaging. A Powerhouse Cast