Advance to the Rear

Advance to the Rear is a 1964 American Technicolor comedy directed by veteran filmmaker George Marshall. The film, also known as "Company of Cowards" in the UK, has a star-studded cast lead by Glenn Ford, Stella Stevens, Melvyn Douglas along with comedic actor Jim Backus. The film is a Civil War-era comedy spun into a rib-tickling slapstick that highlights the ridiculous side of the purported seriousness of war epic tumult. An adaptation of Jack Sher's book "The Company of Cowards", William Bowers and Samuel A. Peeples have crafted a robust screenplay for the movie.

The film stars Glenn Ford, who plays the role of Captain Jared Heath, a courageous Union officer and a war veteran. Ford's portrayal of Capt. Heath is riddled with humor, charm, and wit that he is known for. His charisma rides high in portraying a character that braves forces beyond enemy lines - the unlikely 'cowards.' On the other hand, Melvyn Douglas, playing the role of Col. Claude Brackenbury, puts forth a performance filled with his trademark elan and panache. It's an unforgettable comic encounter between a Civil War Colonel and an inept, unlikely regiment of union soldiers brought together by wave of humor and hilarity.

The plot of the movie is fundamentally embedded in the American Civil War, where the Union forces and Confederate forces are battling. Advance to the Rear develops its storyline around Union Colonel Claude Brackenbury (Melvyn Douglas) who is more philosophical than martial. His strategy of avoiding violence and blood-shedding conflicts wherever possible does not find much favour with his superiors, especially considering the ongoing war scenario.

In a turn of events which involve a failed mission, Colonel Brackenbury and his executive officer, Captain Jared Heath (Glenn Ford), coincidently end up alienating their superiors. As a part of unusual punishment, they are lumped with a new unit -- the 'G Company.' In this, they are entrusted with command of a band of soldiers who happened to be 'cowards.' This pack includes misfits and soldiers branded a bit 'yellow.' The leadership of this awkward, unlikely team falls on Ford and Douglas, proving both a challenge and a source of amusement to the audiences.

To complicate the scenario, Stella Stevens is thrown into the mix, in the role of 'Easy Jenny,' a young woman who has switched Confederate lovers more often than she changes clothes. Her introduction stirs up the soldiers and presents yet another test of loyalty and dedication to the already chaotic team of misfits in the Union army. A melee of encounters between her and the 'cowards' provides a hearty laugh during the movie's progression.

Advance to the Rear predominantly is a blend of comedy and war elements. The absurdity of 'cowards' fighting a war is hilariously depicted while bringing out the heartening elements of bravery and courage in the most unforeseen situations and individuals. It symbolically portrays that heroism can spring in the most unlikely places, subjecting the audience to a whirlwind of emotions and keeping them hooked till the end.

Despite the background of destructive Civil War, George Marshall has skillfully enveloped the movie in levity and humor, ultimately turning it into a major anti-war statement. The film employs humor to highlight the absurdity and hidden intricacies of a war fought. This comedic portrayal enmeshed with the war drama makes Advanced to the Rear distinctively amusing.

Excellently scored by Randy Sparks, the original soundtrack brings forth an additional layer of sprightly amusement to the film. The cinematography by Milton Krasner is a visual treat, capturing the essence of Mid-Western American terrains providing a fitting setting for this Civil War comedy. Over the years, the film has achieved a cult-like status amongst comedy film lovers for its unique blend of war and comedy, becoming an iconic part of Hollywood's comedy cinema during the mid-1960s.

In a nutshell, Advance to the Rear is a memorably funny take on the times of war. George Marshall ticks all the boxes for a classic war-comedy, from offering side-splitting humor, nuanced performances, and an anti-war narrative wrapped in the hilarity of absurd situations. The audience is sure to enjoy the film's humorous take on wartime camaraderie, leadership, courage, and love set amidst the chaos of the Civil War. It indeed makes for a timeless watch, a fabulous popcorn pick for a delightful evening!