Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came

Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came is a highly engaging drama-comedy film released in 1970. Named after the popular anti-Vietnam War protest slogan of the time, the film is directed by Hy Averback and features a robust cast including legendary actors such as Brian Keith, Tony Curtis, and Ernest Borgnine, showcasing their acting prowess in memorable roles.

Throughout the film, the cinematic style and narrative tone offer viewers a sublime blend of social commentary and comedic storyline. Right from the vibrant opening scenes to the gripping climax, the movie carefully unravels its unique narrative that resonates well beyond its runtime. This fusion of comedy and drama is further amplified by the remarkable scriptwriters, Hal Captain and Don McGuire, who apply an ingenious mix of humor and poignancy to illustrate the story.

Set in the heart of an idyllic, small American town, the plot centers around an ongoing clash between the local townsfolk and the stationed soldiers from a nearby Army base. It critically explores the underlying tension and rivalry between the civilian and military cultures. Seeped in a diverse mix of colorful characters and incidents, each sequence of the film works to steadily build the audience's emotional investment in the story.

Brian Keith fits into his role as Sheriff Harve, the local law enforcer and a former military officer who tries to smoothen the escalating tension between the civilians and the soldiers. Then you have the suave Tony Curtis as Captain Nace, charming and yet, very professional, which adds to the diversity of the character set. He leads a trio of veteran soldiers who plan to visit the town, sidelining the orders of Major General Prat, a hardened disciplinarian performed excellently by Ernest Borgnine.

The civilians, on the other hand, include a bar-owner, his beautiful daughter, and a host of interesting townsfolk who are not too excited about the military personnel visiting their town, and this is where the story begins to take unexpected twists and turns.

Immersed in the spirit of the late '60s counterculture, the film plays out as a sitcom-style commentary on societal conflicts and human pride, challenging the perceived notions of honor, patriotism, and masculinity. The fantastic chemistry among the cast members subtly shines a light on the themes of camaraderie, rivalry, and the fragility of human relationships especially when tussling with the dichotomy of power.

Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came walks a fine line of maintaining humor while still commenting on the serious subject matter of war and societal tensions. It holds the audience's attention with its exciting narrative, interesting characters, exceptional dialogues, and perfect comic timing, wrapped up beautifully with an inevitable seriocomic conflict. The anticipation of how the conflict resolves keeps the viewers glued till the end, making the movie truly enjoyable.

The film distinguishes itself in the overall cinematography, where each frame captured by the brilliant camerawork enhances the storyline. The backdrop of the small town and the military base sets the milieu excellently. Also, the period-accurate art direction adds a sense of authenticity and helps transport the audience back to the era. The film's music, by Jerry Fielding, evokes a light-hearted atmosphere whilst ensuring the narrative's graver undertones aren't deeply hampered.

In conclusion, Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came is a remarkably complex and multilayered film for its time, coupling comedy with social critique brilliantly. It serves as a significant cultural document of the era, with a remarkable cast and crafted characters that delve the audience into a world of laughter and contemplation. Packed with authentic performances, well-placed humor, and insightful storytelling, it encapsulates the essence of the golden age of classic Hollywood filmmaking, a must-watch for every cinema enthusiast.