Occasionally ponderous comedy-drama is talky but generally pretty effective with Gleason playing the melancholy, overweight, middle-aged staff sergeant, living somewhat vicariously through his naive supply sergeant (McQueen), a nimble-minded ideas man and surrogate son to Gleason. The first half stars McQueen and his encounters with the officious MP (Nelson) amid zany, get-rich-quick schemes (3 minute mile) involving an eccentric Private (Bill), but the film shifts a gear in both pace and tone when Tuesday Weld appears as the feather-brained teenager of whom Gleason is initially dismissive, and of later becomes enamoured rejuvenating his otherwise sardonic lifestyle.
Like many Blake Edwards' penned movies, the narrative is a bit uneven; whether comedy, drama or somewhere in-between, the lure of the cast manages to mostly disguise any inconsistencies in tone. McQueen being still a relative newcomer (this was filmed before the release of "The Great Escape") essentially supports Gleason, while the youthful Weld (who would later reunite with McQueen for "The Cincinnati Kid") is pert and precocious, unique like all her film roles. Good also to see the ubiquitous Ed Nelson in a prominent role, and Chris Noel, Rockne Tarkington and Adam West in minor roles.
The McQueen-Bill pairing could be the original "dumb & dumber", and I personally would have liked to see more of the Bill character, but both his and McQueen's carefree antics provide fitting contrast to Gleason's ultimately more complex focus. It's clear to see that the Edwards brand is building with each picture, next stop "The Pink Panther" and immortality awaits.
Like many Blake Edwards' penned movies, the narrative is a bit uneven; whether comedy, drama or somewhere in-between, the lure of the cast manages to mostly disguise any inconsistencies in tone. McQueen being still a relative newcomer (this was filmed before the release of "The Great Escape") essentially supports Gleason, while the youthful Weld (who would later reunite with McQueen for "The Cincinnati Kid") is pert and precocious, unique like all her film roles. Good also to see the ubiquitous Ed Nelson in a prominent role, and Chris Noel, Rockne Tarkington and Adam West in minor roles.
The McQueen-Bill pairing could be the original "dumb & dumber", and I personally would have liked to see more of the Bill character, but both his and McQueen's carefree antics provide fitting contrast to Gleason's ultimately more complex focus. It's clear to see that the Edwards brand is building with each picture, next stop "The Pink Panther" and immortality awaits.