Whiffs

Whiffs is a comedic film released in 1975, featuring the talents of renowned actors such as Elliott Gould, Eddie Albert, and Harry Guardino. The director Ted Post combines comedy and action that relayed a striking critique of the Vietnam era military period. Often categorized under the military comedies, this film presents viewers with a unique yet hilarious perspective on the bureaucracy of the army's medical research during the Vietnam War.

Elliott Gould features as the film's star protagonist, Dudley Frapper, a commonity character in military-themed comedy movies. Dudley is an endearing yet hapless Army medical corps private with little ambition or direction. Throughout much of the film, Dudley seems more lost and out of sync with his surroundings than advancing any real cause. A constant source of amusement, Gould's character Dudley is the perfect caricature of a soldier out of place yet persisting, nevertheless.

On Dudley's journey, he becomes part of an experiment testing the effects of various secret gases on soldiers. His encounter with army scientists conducting unconventional research is skilfully angled to reveal the comic surprises and hard realities of the military establishment. His ineptitude is exploited, and he unwillingly becomes a guinea pig for their experiments, offering a satirical look at the controversial chemical experiments conducted by the military during that time.

Eddie Albert portrays the character of Colonel Lockyer, the person in charge of the bizarre and secret gas experiments. Albert breathes life into the character superbly, unveiling both the Colonel's stern military demeanor and underlying quirks for utmost effect. His interaction with Dudley forms part of the comic highlights of the film.

Harry Guardino, playing the role of an opportunistic lawyer, by exploiting Dudley's newfound ability to withstand gas's effects, also adds an interesting dynamic to this comedic storytelling. As the plot thickens, humor, adventure, and thievery intertwine to keep viewers entertained and guessing what will happen next.

Besides the evident humor, Whiffs offers a sharp satirical critique of the military-industrial complex. One of post-Vietnam era's many military commentary films, the film explores through comedy and drama the problematic scientific research that was plaguing that time's military ethics. Through Dudley's experiences, viewers get glimpses of these controversial truths, contributing to the overall richness of the narrative.

Moreover, Whiffs is set against a well-designed backdrop that authentically represents the era and adds depth to the storyline. The cinematography and art direction effectively convey a bygone era, enriching the viewing experience. The sound track is also evocative of the period, adding another layer of authenticity.

In addition, the supporting cast enhances the movie's overall enjoyment, providing their comic or dramatic talents to proceedings. Their involvement offers numerous subplot opportunities, ensuring that the film is entertaining from start to finish.

Gould's everyman portrayal of Dudley makes him an easy character to root for even though the odds are stacked against him. His transformation through the movie makes audiences laugh, cheer, and even reflect amid the unfolding comedy. Similarly, Albert and Guardino provide hilarious and insightful performances, adding flavor and depth to their characters, thus enriching the film's overall quality.

In summary, Whiffs is a charming 1975 military comedy film that blends light-hearted humor, satire, action, and drama. Set in the post-Vietnam-era, the film explores the military system's intricacies through the character of an unsuspecting military man thrown in as a guinea pig for chemical expeditions. The film's title is an inferred reference to the chemical experiment central to the story, adding a quirky but relevant touch to the tale. The hilarious escapades and myriad of characters make it an insightful and entertaining watch.