On the Double

On the Double, a 1961 comedy film, exhibits the comedic genius of Danny Kaye at a level not often seen in the cinema. The versatile and multidimensional actor charms viewers as he masterfully manages two radically different roles in the film, playing an American Corporal and a British General. With a brilliant blend of humor, wit, and adventure, On the Double is directed by Melville Shavelson and showcases the talents of co-stars Dana Wynter and Wilfrid Hyde-White.

Opening in the bleak setting of wartime, the movie revolves around Corporal Ernie Williams (Danny Kaye), a timid GI in the American army stationed in London during World War II. Williams has a remarkable talent: he can perfectly imitate any person he sees. Even though this talent provides comic relief amongst the soldiers, his impersonations also have a hidden strategic advantage. Unbeknownst to Williams until much later, he bears an uncanny resemblance to a high-ranking British official, General Sir Lawrence MacKenzie-Smith, who is a target for Nazi assassination.

Meanwhile, General MacKenzie-Smith, portrayed in sharp contrast to the timid Williams by the versatile Kaye, is an authoritative, stern individual who relishes his high-ranking position. His involvement in crucial and secretive wartime operations makes him a desired target for the enemy.

The plot kick-starts when British intelligence, learning of the assassination plot, enters Williams in their plan to deceive the enemies. They decide to use the GI's exceptional mimicking abilities to have him impersonate the General and distract the enemy. Thrust into a high-stakes role that directly contrasts his meek character, Williams' comic, yet heroic, endeavors drive the plot of the movie.

To help him pass as British aristocracy, British intelligence assigns the General’s personal assistant, Colonel Somerset (Wilfred Hyde-White), to Williams. Hyde-White’s quaintly sophisticated role brings an extra layer of humor to the movie as he has the difficult task of coaching the American soldier in the ways of a British General.

Further complications arise with the introduction of the General's estranged wife, Lady Margaret MacKenzie-Smith, played by the elegant Dana Wynter. Unaware that Williams is impersonating her husband, Lady Margaret begins to notice the changes in her stern husband's personality. Wynter with her refined eminence perfectly supplements the comic confusion by falling for this much kinder version of her husband.

On the Double is a film that works well on multiple levels. It is a war story, a comedy, and a story of mistaken identity, infused with some romantic intrigue. Director Shavelson skillfully portrays the many situations that arise from William's impersonation, while also managing to imbue the war backdrop with a comedic and light-hearted tone.

Danny Kaye's performance stands out above all in the film. His extraordinary ability to switch between the two contrasting roles of General and Corporal, often within the same scene, creates comical moments that highlight his impeccable comedic timing and talent. His embellishment of simple actions and speech, both as Williams and MacKenzie-Smith, contribute majorly to the funny and enjoyable atmosphere of the movie. Furthermore, the inclusion of creative and wacky song-and-dance numbers, a trademark of Kaye's films, add a whimsical aspect that makes the movie even more memorable.

While best known for his physical comedy, Kaye also succeeds in introducing emotional depth to the character of Ernie Williams. Despite the film's overall humorous tone, it does not shy away from touching on more serious themes such as patriotism, duty, and self-discovery. The audience sees Williams, initially afraid and out of his depth, learn to embrace his newfound responsibility, adding a level complexity to his character arc.

On the Double is an unmissable classic - a humorous wartime mischief film that showcases Danny Kaye's multifaceted talents. Both Wynter and Hyde-White provide solid support, making the most of their roles in the midst of the comedy hi-jinks. A gem from the early 1960s, On the Double captures that unique time in human history wrapped in humor and wit. The film showcases the memorable comedic and dramatic abilities of Danny Kaye while delivering a feel-good movie experience for audiences of all ages.