Peter Sellers plays multiple characters in this romp set in World War II. Madame Grenier is the head of a famous Parisian brothel. After most of her French clients go off to war (characters played by Sellers), she tells her girls that they are to be equally attentive to the arriving German troops. As the establishment is visited by an increasing number of Gestapo members, Madame's business seems safe from closure. Directed by the legendary Roy Boulting, Soft Beds, Hard Battles also stars Curt Juergens, Jenny Hanley, Rula Lenska, Timothy West and Lila Kedrova
viewer's comments:
-the TOTAL Sellers
Super Sellers gives full show of his great abilities by playing completely different characters, Like he did in "Dr.Strangelove". Only this time he's pushing to the extreme! Hilarious movie, great comedy. I didn't give a super vote because (alas) it is only Peter Sellers who keeps it going, although it's more than enough for a genuine laugh! :) No, HE is GREAT (was it really needed to say so? even after the Pink Panther series?)
- One of my favourite Sellers films
To my mind, Sellers was at his peak when he made this film. It wasn't a commercial success like the Panther films, but it was a personal success for Sellers. He was being funny AND enjoying himself whilst doing it. I saw this film when it was first released at the cinema and enjoyed it then, and then again when it was shown on British TV. It hadn't aged, it was still excellent. I just wish Warners would release it on Video or DVD now......
Cast overview, first billed only:
Peter Sellers .... Général Latour/Major Robinson/Herr Schroeder/Adolf Hitler/The President/Prince Kyoto
Lila Kedrova .... Madame Grenier
Curd Jürgens .... General Von Grotjahn
Béatrice Romand .... Marie-Claude
Jenny Hanley .... Michelle
Gabriella Licudi .... Simone
Françoise Pascal .... Madeleine
Rex Stallings .... Alan Cassidy
Rula Lenska .... Louise
Daphne Lawson .... Claudine
Hylette Adolphe .... Mlle. Tom-Tom
Vernon Dobtcheff .... Padre
Douglas Sheldon .... Kapitan Kneff
Thorley Walters .... General Erhardt
Timothy West .... Convent Chaplain
Also Known As:
Undercovers Hero (1975) (USA)
Runtime: 107 min
Country: UK
Language: English
Color: Color (Eastmancolor)
You might like Peter Sellers in The Wrong Arm of the Law and Carlton Browne of the F.O. as well.
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