This is one film where I laugh virtually all the way through

Rating: 10/10 (19 September 2009)

This is one of my favourite films. It is one of the greatest anti-war films ever made. All of the main characters are perfectly cast and Peter Sellers was at his breathtaking best. I very rarely single out anybody in any film but I make an exception in his case. He died almost thirty years ago at the age of 54 and apparently making this film with all the numerous professionals was extremely difficult for the director because there were times when the entire cast and crew were helpless with laughter because of him. When you watch this film you can understand why. Virtually all of the main characters are absurd mentally challenged individuals who really should not be let out in public on their own. Of course it is part of the films appeal that you keep being introduced to them and you laugh at their square peg in a round hole antics but at the same time you marvel at how complete basket cases can rise through the ranks and occupy positions of real responsibility. Forty five years after this film was made things have not changed much, this film is still as good today as it was then and in reality we are still as scared now as we were then. The lunatics are still running the asylums and the fact that so far we have not had a nuclear war is down to the probability that if there was, nobody would survive anyway and considering what the earth would be like after the bombs have dropped who would want to survive. This film is only just over an hour and a half long but it packs in so much in that time it seems to be a lot longer. I don't watch this film as often as I should but when I do I am reminded of the tale which as far as I am aware actually happened that in the late 1970's there was a serious alert in the USA which went to the last but one level before being stood down caused by one man who thought he saw something hostile approaching on his computer equipment and hurriedly pressed the button to start the USA's reaction. Real life is infinitely more unbelievable and frightening than any film which is why I would highly recommend anybody watch this film. I guarantee you will not be disappointed.