Life in the army. Some try to get in, but once in, they want out. Steve McQueen and Jackie Gleason star in this unique blend of comedy and drama in this tale of Army life, filled with dreams of "someday." Steve McQueen is good as a country boy with an accent that emphasizes his quirkiness and he is always talking of schemes to get rich quick. Gleason is an officer who knows of Steve's eccentricities and barters with him when Steve wants a fan of his.
For those who know Gleason only as the loud Ralph Kramden, you should see this. He gives a very understated and subtle performance, and Gleason, by the way, definitely has 'it', screen presence. And, not just because of his size. He is contained with purpose and state of mind and was in control. You can't hide 'it.' You either have it or you don't, and Gleason had 'it.'
And, as an added plus is Tuesday Weld. If for no other reason, this should be seen for a Tuesday Weld 101 course. She is introduced in grand fashion and gives what can be called nothing less than a spectacular performance. In fact, I have never seen her in anything where she didn't shine. The highlight of the film is her and Gleason at the fair. The scene where she explodes was very well written by Blake Edwards and is quite frankly unforgettable. You are not likely to see two actors in character and talking so honestly to each other, as you do here. They are very natural together and you feel as if you are watching true artists at work in an unknown great moment in film. Miss Weld had already become someone you know, but in this scene she is allowed to show her range from one emotion to another.
Steve McQueen may be the "Soldier in the Rain" (and is good, too), but this belongs to the great ones: Gleason and Weld at their best.
For those who know Gleason only as the loud Ralph Kramden, you should see this. He gives a very understated and subtle performance, and Gleason, by the way, definitely has 'it', screen presence. And, not just because of his size. He is contained with purpose and state of mind and was in control. You can't hide 'it.' You either have it or you don't, and Gleason had 'it.'
And, as an added plus is Tuesday Weld. If for no other reason, this should be seen for a Tuesday Weld 101 course. She is introduced in grand fashion and gives what can be called nothing less than a spectacular performance. In fact, I have never seen her in anything where she didn't shine. The highlight of the film is her and Gleason at the fair. The scene where she explodes was very well written by Blake Edwards and is quite frankly unforgettable. You are not likely to see two actors in character and talking so honestly to each other, as you do here. They are very natural together and you feel as if you are watching true artists at work in an unknown great moment in film. Miss Weld had already become someone you know, but in this scene she is allowed to show her range from one emotion to another.
Steve McQueen may be the "Soldier in the Rain" (and is good, too), but this belongs to the great ones: Gleason and Weld at their best.