Introduction Kelly's Heroes
"Kelly's Heroes" is a 1970 American comedy film directed by Brian G. Hutton, starring Clint Eastwood, Donald Sutherland, and Telly Savalas. The film takes place during World War II and follows the story of three misfits who embark on a mission to steal Nazi gold. The movie is set in Eastern Europe, where a group of Allied soldiers are tasked with stealing a large cache of gold from the Nazis. However, the team they have assembled to carry out this task consists of some unlikely characters - Kelly (Clint Eastwood), the leader, who has a reputation for being untrustworthy; Wilder (Donald Sutherland), a naive and innocent young soldier; and Moriarty (Telly Savalas), a sadistic and brutal assassin. Throughout the film, these three men must work together to overcome numerous obstacles, including treacherous terrain, enemy soldiers, and their own personal demons. Along the way, they develop an unlikely bond that adds depth and humor to the story.
Plot and Themes Kelly's Heroes
"Kelly's Heroes" is a 1970 American war film directed by Brian G. Hutton. The movie follows an unlikely group of soldiers who embark on a mission to steal gold from behind enemy lines during World War II. The plot centers around Kelly (Clint Eastwood), a former U.S. Army officer turned mercenary, and his team of misfits: Big John (Don Rickles), the group's leader; Billy (Harry Guardino), the group's mechanic; and Maggie (Gale Gordon), a former nun who serves as the group's medic. Kelly and his team are hired by the French Resistance to steal gold from Germany. Along the way, they encounter a number of challenges, including German soldiers, rival mercenaries, and their own personal demons. As they near their destination, Kelly and his team begin to question their motivations for taking on this dangerous mission. The movie explores several themes, including the morality of war, the nature of heroism, and the importance of human connection in times of chaos. The film also touches on issues of loyalty, trust, and redemption. Overall, "Kelly's Heroes" is a gritty and intense war film that challenges traditional notions of heroism and explores the complexities of human experience during wartime.
Performance and Direction Kelly's Heroes
"Kelly's Heroes" is a 1970 American war comedy film directed by Brian G. Hutton. The movie stars Clint Eastwood, Don Rickles, Harry Guardino, and Telly Savalas. Here's an evaluation of the performances: 1. Clint Eastwood: He plays the role of Kelly, a tough, no-nonsense soldier who leads a group of misfits on a mission to steal gold from behind enemy lines. Eastwood is solid in his performance as the stoic and determined leader of the team. However, his character feels somewhat one-dimensional, lacking depth and nuance. 2. Don Rickles: He plays the role of Big Joe, the brash and arrogant loudmouth who often clashes with Kelly's leadership style. Rickles steals every scene he is in with his sharp wit and biting humor. His comedic timing is impeccable, making him a standout in the film. 3. Harry Guardino: He plays the role of Chet, a tough but dim-witted soldier who often finds himself caught between the conflicting personalities of Kelly and Big Joe. Guardino is likable as the lovable lughead, providing some welcome comic relief to the otherwise serious tone of the film. 4. Telly Savalas: He plays the role of Zamparo, a ruthless and cunning Italian war criminal who has dedicated his life to eliminating the Allied forces. Savalas brings an air of menace and danger to the role, making him an effective adversary for Kelly's team. As for the direction: 1. Brian G. Hutton: The film is well-paced and visually engaging, with a keen eye for detail that adds to its authenticity as a war movie. However, the story feels somewhat disjointed and lacking in tension or excitement at times, which may be due to the uneven pacing of certain scenes. 2. The script by Terry Southern, Rudy Wurlitzer, and Michael Leander: The dialogue is often witty and humorous, with memorable lines from Rickles' character that add to the comedic charm of the film. However, the story itself feels somewhat predictable and lacks depth or complexity in its themes and characters. Overall, "Kelly's Heroes" is an entertaining war comedy that benefits greatly from Clint Eastwood's stoic performance as Kelly, Don Rickles' sharp wit and humor, and Telly Savalas' menacing presence as Zamparo. While the direction by Brian G. Hutton is well-done in terms of visuals and pacing, the story itself feels somewhat lacking in depth or excitement at times.
Technical Aspects Kelly's Heroes
"Kelly's Heroes" is a 1970 war comedy film directed by Brian G. Hutton. Here are some technical aspects that contributed to its success: **Cinematography:** The film was shot on location in Austria and Germany. The cinematographer, José Antonio Sáenz de Santamaría, used a combination of 35mm Panavision cameras and lenses to capture the sweeping landscapes and intense battle scenes. The color palette is characterized by muted earth tones, which adds to the gritty realism of the film. **Sound Design:** The sound design was handled by John Poyner, who won an Academy Award for his work on the film. He used a combination of field recordings and post-production techniques to create realistic sound effects that enhanced the impact of the battle scenes. For example, he recorded the sounds of artillery fire using actual cannons, which were then edited into the film. **Visual Effects:** The visual effects in "Kelly's Heroes" are relatively simple by today's standards but still effective in enhancing the action sequences. For instance, during the tank battles, miniature models of tanks and buildings were used to create the illusion of destruction. The special effects team also created explosions using a combination of pyrotechnics and optical printing techniques. **Camera Movement:** Director Brian G. Hutton employed a range of camera movements throughout the film, including sweeping crane shots, handheld footage, and static shots. These choices helped to create tension and intimacy during key scenes. **Lighting:** The lighting in "Kelly's Heroes" is characterized by a mix of natural light and artificial illumination. In the outdoor scenes, the cinematographer used available light to create a sense of realism. For the indoor scenes, he employed a combination of practical lighting (e.g., lamps) and additional lighting units to achieve the desired mood. **Editing:** The editing was done by Frank P. Keller, who worked closely with director Brian G. Hutton to create a cohesive narrative. The pacing is generally fast-moving, with quick cuts during action sequences and more deliberate pacing in quieter moments. Overall, "Kelly's Heroes" features technical aspects that are well-suited to its blend of humor, action, and drama. While some elements may seem dated by today's standards, they still contribute to the film's enduring charm and entertainment value.
More Details Kelly's Heroes
"Kelly's Heroes" is a 1970 American war comedy film directed by Brian G. Hutton and starring Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, Carroll O'Connor, and Harry Guardino. **Production Companies:** * Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) * United Artists * The Directors Company **Cast:** * Clint Eastwood as Kelly * Telly Savalas as Big Joe * Don Rickles as Roper * Carroll O'Connor as General Colt * Harry Guardino as Moriarty * Richard Davalos as Cowboy * Stuart Margolin as Little John **Interesting Trivia:** 1. The movie is based on a novel of the same name by Roger Lewis, which was inspired by real-life events during World War II. 2. Clint Eastwood had no interest in making this film at first but agreed to do it after being convinced by his friend and fellow actor, Telly Savalas. 3. The film's original script had a much darker tone than the final product. It wasn't until Don Rickles, who played Roper, got involved that the script was rewritten to include more humor. 4. Clint Eastwood wanted to make this film in a foreign location but ended up shooting on location in Hungary due to logistical and financial reasons. 5. The movie's famous tank chase scene took over 10 days to shoot and required the destruction of several tanks, which were all donated by the Hungarian army. 6. Telly Savalas was originally supposed to play the role of Moriarty but ended up playing Big Joe instead after Stuart Margolin dropped out due to personal reasons. 7. Carroll O'Connor's character, General Colt, is based on a real-life American general from World War II. 8. Don Rickles improvised many of his lines in the film, which added to the movie's comedic tone. **Other Notes:** * "Kelly's Heroes" was released in 1970 and received mixed reviews at the time but has since become a cult classic. * Clint Eastwood did not direct this film, despite being heavily involved in its production. Brian G. Hutton directed the film instead. * The movie has been remastered and re-released on DVD several times over the years. Overall, "Kelly's Heroes" is an entertaining war comedy that features a strong cast and some memorable moments. While it may not be as well-known as some of Clint Eastwood's other films, it is still worth watching for fans of the actor or the genre.
Conclusion Kelly's Heroes
"Kelly's Heroes" is a thought-provoking war drama that delves into the complexities of human nature during times of conflict. The film's greatest strength lies in its ability to balance action with emotional depth, showcasing the struggles of a diverse group of individuals as they navigate the chaos of war. One of the standout elements of "Kelly's Heroes" is its portrayal of the characters' moral ambiguity. Rather than presenting clear-cut heroes and villains, the film explores the gray areas that exist in real-life conflicts, making it feel all the more authentic. Another notable aspect of the movie is its exploration of themes such as loyalty, sacrifice, and redemption. These elements add a layer of emotional complexity to the story, making it more engaging for viewers. However, some viewers may find the pacing of the film to be slow at times, which can make it feel like a chore to sit through. Additionally, the supporting characters are not always well-developed, which can detract from the overall impact of the story. In conclusion, "Kelly's Heroes" is a powerful and thought-provoking war drama that explores the complexities of human nature during times of conflict. While it has some flaws, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a must-see for fans of the genre.