Oh! What a Lovely War
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| Oh! What a Lovely War | |
|---|---|
| Image:Oh! What a Lovely War movie poster.jpg Oh! What a Lovely War movie poster | |
| Directed by | Richard Attenborough |
| Written by | Charles Chilton (play) Len Deighton (uncredited) Joan Littlewood (musical play) |
| Starring | John Mills John Gielgud Laurence Olivier Michael Redgrave Maggie Smith Ian Holm |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
| Release date(s) | 10 March 1969 (UK release) |
| Running time | 144 min |
| Language | English |
| IMDb profile | |
Oh! What a Lovely War began life in 1963 as a stage musical by Joan Littlewood and her Theatre Workshop, based on The Donkeys by historian Alan Clark, with some scenes adapted from The Good Soldier Švejk by Czech humorist Jaroslav Hašek. It was an ensemble production with no "stars" as such, but Workshop regulars such as Brian Murphy, Victor Spinetti and Glynn Edwards played multiple roles. The production transferred intact to Wyndham's Theatre the same year.
This satire on World War I (and by extension against war in general), was a surprise hit. It was adapted by the BBC for radio more than once, and in 1969 Richard Attenborough transformed it into a film. His star-studded cast included Dirk Bogarde, John Gielgud, John Mills, Kenneth More, Laurence Olivier, Corin Redgrave, Michael Redgrave, Vanessa Redgrave, Ralph Richardson and Maggie Smith. This film has been released on DVD by Paramount Home Entertainment.
The stage show is traditionally performed in pierrot costumes, and features such World War I-era songs as "It's a Long Way to Tipperary", "Pack up Your Troubles" and "Keep the Home Fires Burning". Harsh images of war and shocking statistics are usually projected onto the backdrop, however, providing a stark contrast with the comedy of the action taking place before it.
[edit] External links
[edit] References in popular culture
- BBC Radio 4's 15 Minute Musical portrayed Tony Blair's premiership in the style of Oh! What a Lovely War in a September 2006 episode entitled "Oh! What a Lovely Blair"
| Films directed by Richard Attenborough |
|---|
| Oh! What a Lovely War • Young Winston • A Bridge Too Far • Magic • Gandhi • A Chorus Line • Cry Freedom • Chaplin • Shadowlands • In Love and War • Grey Owl • Closing the Ring |
