The Secret War of Harry Frigg

Watch The Secret War of Harry Frigg

"It's not who you con. It's how you do it."
  • NR
  • 1968
  • 1 hr 50 min
  • 6.3  (1,768)

During World War II, an American soldier named Harry Frigg (Paul Newman) is notorious for his repeated attempts to escape from prisoner-of-war camps. The military hierarchy, however, sees him as a man with qualities that could come in handy when getting five high-ranking officers out of a German prison. Harry is persuaded to undertake the mission in return for favourable treatment during his Army career. The mission presents Harry with the opportunity to be a hero but only if he can be persuaded by Colonel Enrico Ferrucci (Andrew Duggan) to actually do his job. Ferrucci is concerned that Harry's previous disloyalties will rear their head at any moment and compromise the mission. Harry must choose between his selfish desire for self-promotion and the safety of the five officers whom he is supposed to protect.

The Secret War of Harry Frigg is a classic World War II movie with a comedic twist. The film has its share of laughs but also manages to provide moments of tension and suspense. Paul Newman's performance as Harry Frigg is witty, cocky and brimming with the charisma that made him a Hollywood legend. Newman's chemistry with the beautiful Sylva Koscina, who plays Countess Francesca De Montefiore – a partisan in Italy working with the Americans to escape the Germans, adds to the film's overall charm.

The Secret War of Harry Frigg is a light-hearted take on war, but underneath the humour, there is a poignant reflection on the nature of heroism. The film questions the idea of what makes someone a hero and whether it is an innate quality or something that can be learned. The movie demonstrates through Harry Frigg's character that it is often a matter of choice rather than destiny.

The movie's setting in Italy during World War II provides the backdrop for stunning scenery that gives the film a unique charm. The lush countryside of Italy serves as an exquisite canvas that contrasts sharply with the dark and foreboding atmosphere of German-occupied territory.

The movie's comic tone doesn't mean that it shirks away from depicting the tragedies that happen during wartime. It is a perfect balance of humour and the harsh truth of war. It makes it a classic example of a comedy-war film that makes a bitter pill easy to swallow.

The Secret War of Harry Frigg is directed by Jack Smight, and he impressively creates a movie that entertains as well as intrigues. Smight keeps the story moving forward, ensuring that the script has enough humour to ensure that it retains its light-heartedness throughout.

Overall, The Secret War of Harry Frigg is a classic example of a comedy-war movie. It offers enough laughs to keep the audience engaged and contains enough serious moments to prevent it from being a frivolous piece of cinema. The movie depicts the harsh reality of war while not losing sight of the essential human quality of humour, which inevitably arises during adverse conditions. The film successfully explores the ambiguity of heroism, showcases the beauty of the Italian countryside, and presents an amusing story that packs a punch. The acting is superb, and the film's overall production values are exemplary, making The Secret War of Harry Frigg an excellent addition to the American comedy-war film genre.

The Secret War of Harry Frigg
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Description
  • Release Date
    1968
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 50 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.3  (1,768)