I recall seeing this film as a child, and it always made me smile. Oliver Reed is the eponymous WWII POW who has a job at a zoo in Munich looking after "Lucy". Nope, she's not a glamorous blonde - she's an elephant, and quite a stubborn one at that. As the allies close in, it's decided to evacuate "Lucy" to Austria, but when an officer commandeers their train, they decide to walk - the two, with a pair of soldiers as escort and a cook. Their escapades are light hearted adventures with Reed on good form as the recalcitrant determined to get himself and his "girl" to the safety of Switzerland. Wolfgang Preiss is quite effective as his pursuing Nazi "von Haller" exuding just a hint of menace and Michael J. Pollard pulls some quite comical stunts as escaping American "Packy" who turns his hand to sabotage at times... Aside from the affable humour, I also remembered the lightly orchestral score from Francis Lai - a memorable little theme that, as they wander through some gorgeous Germany scenery sets this up nicely. It's a fun film this, a more interesting wartime feel good film that does exactly what it (and they) set out to.
2022-03-28
