Beatles & Blunders: Reviewing 'How I Won the War' (1967)

Simon (0:00)

Today, we're reviewing How I Won the War.

Richard Lester's 1967 film How I Won the War is a curious blend of comedy and war attempting to satirise the absurdities of military life and the class system within the British Army. The movie stars Michael Crawford as Lieutenant Ernest Goodbody, an inept officer leading a ragtag group of soldiers during World War II.

Despite the presence of John Lennon, who plays the minor role of Gripweed, the film struggles to find its footing, often overshadowed by its own ambitions and the weight of its star's fame. The film's narrative unfolds through a series of flashbacks as Goodbody recounts his misadventures to a German officer after being captured. This structure allows Lester to employ his signature style, breaking the fourth wall and incorporating surreal elements that blur the line between reality and fantasy.

Characters frequently address the audience directly, and the film juxtaposes stage skirmishes with stock footage of actual battles, creating a disjointed yet visually engaging experience. Lennon's involvement in the film is often highlighted, but his role is relatively minor and his performance, while charming, does not significantly impact the overall narrative. His presence, however, has contributed to the film's lasting association with the Beatles, despite the fact that his screen time is limited. The film's promotional materials prominently feature Lennon, which may mislead audiences into expecting a more substantial role for the iconic musician. The film's comedic elements are hit or miss, with some moments of brilliance overshadowed by a lack of cohesion. Crawford's portrayal of Goodbody is both engaging and frustrating, as his character's incompetence leads to a series of unfortunate events for his men. The supporting cast, including Roy Kinnear as Clapper and Lee Montague as Sergeant Transom, provide moments of levity, but the film's humour often feels forced and disconnected from its anti-war message. Lester's attempt to critique the British class system and military hierarchy is evident, but the film's execution falls short of its potential. The satire is muddled by an over-reliance on visual gags and a lack of narrative clarity. The film's pacing suffers as a result, with scenes strung together in a manner that can be confusing for viewers. Despite its shortcomings, How I Won the War offers glimpses of Lester's directorial prowess with moments of sharp dialogue and inventive cinematography. The film's ambition is commendable, but it ultimately fails to deliver a cohesive and impactful anti-war statement. Instead, it remains a curious artefact of its time, reflecting the experimental nature of 1960s cinema and the cultural influence of The Beatles. In summary, How I Won the War is a film that struggles to balance its comedic and satirical elements resulting in a disjointed viewing experience. While it offers moments of humour and visual flair, the film's lack of narrative focus and over-reliance on its star power detract from its intended message. For fans of Richard Lester and The Beatles, it remains an interesting, if flawed, piece of cinematic history.

That brings us to the end of my review of How I Won the War, and I'm giving it three stars out of five. Thank you for listening. If you liked what you've heard, please like, subscribe and it will be great to see you all next time.