Moi et le colonel

This is a wonderful movie, well made and well acted, that gives us the chance to get to know the characters as the story unfolds.

As the movie begins, the setting in Paris as the Nazi army takes power in World War II is a familiar one. We're given a gentle introduction to Danny Kaye's character, one S.L. Jacobowsky, as he copes with the privations of wartime and finds creative ways around them.

The familiar setting also gives this movie more of a timeless feel than some of Danny Kaye's "camp" films such as The Court Jester (which I nonetheless put in my system recently while testing new connections and then sat down to watch to the end.)

I'm a great fan of Danny Kaye the entertainer, including the shtick (usually), but I like this movie precisely because it shows a side of his talents that we saw in only a handful of films, and perhaps on his television show. So sit back and relax and stop worrying the movie will dissolve into one of those camp musicals - it won't.

This is a wonderful role for Curd Jürgens as well, though almost anything I say would be telling too much. Nicole Maurey does a lovely job filling out the list of main characters.

Caught this gem on late night TV a few years ago.Even though the story is set during World War II and Danny Kaye's character is trying to escape to safety, it has so many poignantly funny moments that one remembers and has a chuckle about it. My favourite: "in the cathedral of my heart a candle will be lit".This is by the Colonel to one of his many paramours. Eventually Danny Kaye cannot help himself and wonders how big is the Colonel's heart to accommodate all this candles? Next is the oft repeated line : "less and less I like this Jacoboski".Last but not least is the third character in the story, the faithful sergeant played by Akim Tamiroff. This film has drama,pathos,laughs and tears all within a story of escape,pride and sadly war.Highly sought after if released on DVD. Millie

Not your typical Danny Kaye movie, this brooding character study walks a tightrope among three genres and succeeds in being movie without being cloying. Curt Jurgens is marvelous as the Colonel. And, Danny Kaye gives one of his most distinctive performances. Well worth seeing.

It is well known that many comic actors are frustrated serious dramatic thespians. Why else would Charlie Chaplin make Monsieur Verdoux or Limelight? Or Bill Murray tackle the leading roles in the remake of The Razor's Edge or Mad Dog and Glory? Or Steve Martin take on such projects as the 1981 version of Pennies From Heaven or The Spanish Prisoner? Or Cary Grant (who picked his roles with great care) assume the part of the disillusioned Cockney drifter in the decidedly downbeat None But The Lonely Heart?

Apparently, the reverse situation is far less common. Laurence Olivier made The Divorce Of Lady X in 1938, and that did not tempt him to do comedy again when he became more famous and in better control of his career (with the exception of the unfortunate The Prince And The Showgirl). The Bride Came C.O.D. and The Man Who Came To Dinner were projects that Bette Davis made without much commitment--and it shows. Greer Garson starred in Julia Misbehaves and the less said about it the better. Humphrey Bogart seems decidedly out of his element in Sabrina.

This leads us to Danny Kaye and Me And The Colonel (MATC). This film represents a real departure from Kaye's generally hyperkinetic physical comedies of earlier years. In MATC, he takes on the part of a somewhat shy, gentle, clever but understated character just trying to survive in a very unsettled world. He does this with great sensitivity and believability. Kaye actually makes it seem plausible that such a man could be seen as attractive by the very lovely Nicole Maurey. None of the manic aspects of Danny Kaye's comic character surface during the movie. His naturalistic acting style is quite engaging. The delightful interplay between Kaye and Curt Jurgens (the anti-Semitic Colonel who grows to greatly appreciate Kaye's Jewish Samuel Jacobowsky) is a real treat to watch. It is refreshing to see a Jewish character depicted in a way that makes his cunning, intelligence and wit appear as positive rather than negative personal attributes.

This is a lovely film that is not well known by the general public. It successfully transforms a serious wartime situation that borders on tragedy into a journey of growth, discovery and humanity. Kaye had every right to be proud that he made this movie.

I must say, Danny Kaye delivers a very skilful and thoughtful performance as Jacobowsky, and Curt Jurgens is hilarious in his over-the-top display of pompous honor as the military Colonel. In the dangerous and harrowing era of the war it's surprising that any degree of humor could be found in stark situations, but this story does so, and does it well. At times it's downright funny, other times it's delightfully witty, turning life's awkward moments into amusing vignettes. Yet shining throughout is the quality of Kaye's sympathetic character who draws on the inherited wisdom of his people to help him meet one difficulty after another. An excellent story indeed. Thank goodness human nature can still find humor even in life's most dire moments.