General improvisado

Though I'm not a big fan of war movies I have seen this movie over and over again when I was younger, and was one I searched high and low on Blockbuster and such to see again. Ford and Buttons are marvelous and the movie walks the line between humor and the reality of the horror of war with real class... Would SO love to see it again!!

Ford's character was a n'er do well scammer who had made rank and been busted back more times than he could keep track of when he met an honorable man, a General, who went to the front lines though it was dangerous in hopes of rallying the troops... but was killed before reaching his goal. Inspired Ford decides to take over the mission and poses as the General.

One of the best scenes I remember was the German tank heading towards the village and Ford putting up a sign on the bridge saying that the bridge was mined so that the Germans would take the tanks thru the creek bed and expose their underbelly. But NOT going to tell you what happened.

This is a great 1958 film that is very hard to find! It stars Glenn Ford who plays a Master Sergeant in the army who impersonates his fallen General to boost morale for his troops in France 1944. There is one soldier ,brilliantly played by Tige Andrews, who was once Master Sergeant Hutchmire but now Private Hutchmire "Hutch", who is out to get Murph (Ford), and knows nothing about Murphs charade to be the General. There is great humor and a lot of action. It may be even more enjoyable if you know French because they speak French some of the time when speaking to a beautiful French woman (Taina Elg - who reminds me of a French Helen Hunt) who's house they confiscate as their headquarters. A lot of fun. A true piece of Hollywood masterpiece. There is a plot to kill the Nazi's and a sub plot to not let Fords identity be found out by the only soldier who knows his true identity

Imitation General is an absolutely hilarious tale set during World War II. Glenn Ford's portrayal as a Army sergeant who impersonates an officer is well worth seeing. Supporting roles played by Red Buttons, Dean Jones and Tige Andrews add to the mayhem. This is classic comedy from the late 1950's and should be released to video for the next generation to enjoy.

I noticed one reviewer disliked the movie because it wasn't funny. Well, technically I guess it is sort of a comedy...but if you stop expecting laughs, you'll likely enjoy it much more.

The story begins sometime during WWII after the allies have invaded France (sometime June 1944 or later). A bunch of American Army soldiers are having a tough time, as the Germans are counter-attacking with tanks. So, a General goes up to the front lines to fight with the troops and inspire them with his bravery. Unfortunately, the man is soon killed. Sergeant Savage (Glenn Ford) is mistaken for the general by one of the men...and then he gets the idea to continue pretending to be him. Why? Because he notices how much better then men fight when he's there with them.

This is not a laugh out loud film. But it is clever and diverting...and that was more than enough for me. Add to this that the story is unique and you have a nice film, well worth your time.

This is Glenn Ford at his best. Serious, humorous and down right hilarious. As a veteran I can see this really happening.