Operation Mad Ball (1957)

I have enjoyed this film for many years. Casting a film is an art in itself. And this film is a classic of casting. The Oscar-winning actor Jack Lemmon, is a perfect foil for the fussy Ernie Kovacs. Young James Darren, and Dick York, and the inimitable Mickey Rooney, all make a fine ensemble. Veteran Arthur O'Connell, and all of the rest serve up a delicious film.This is one of the biggest sleepers of all time, and really never got the recognition that it deserved. I like to think of it as a "Proto-M*A*S*H", as it clearly presents a lunacy of a military hospital, and the goofy characters.A precious "gem" of a film.

I noticed that one reviewer described this film as being like combining "M*A*S*H" and "McHale's Navy"---and this is a very accurate observation...though I might also add a touch of "Operation Petticoat". It's one of those quirky comedies that they were able to make AFTER WWII was finished--as the war, especially at the time, wasn't very funny! Now, over a decade later, folks were able to look at some of the absurdities and funny moments in the military the war--and it's easier here because it's set just a few months after the war--time to laugh and have fun."Operation Mad Ball" is set in an army hospital in France in September, 1945. You see early on that there is a Captain (Ernie Kovacs) who is a total jerk and an enlisted man (Jack Lemmon) who is always outsmarting him. Because the war is over and the men are longing to blow off some steam, Lemmon plans for a giant party--one where the enlisted men can fraternize, off the record, with the nurses. But since this is clearly against regulations and the annoying Captain is looking for an excuse to bust Lemmon, they need to tread very, very lightly. Along the way, there are tons of complications (I liked the one involving the body) and whether or not this insane ball will take place is constantly in doubt.The film is a nice little comedy with lots of nice twists and interesting characters. My favorite was the Captain--Kovacs played a guy you love to hate. THere were also a lot of nice quirky characters as well. The script was quite clever and the film a nice, light comedy--on part with or perhaps a little better than "Operation Petticoat".

Reading these reviews were spot on while being simultaneously disconcerting. Other movies were mentioned that had influence on this one, but didn't Operation Mad Ball remind anybody besides me of Hogan's Heroes? And I'm not referencing the fact that Jack Lemmon's character was named Hogan, although this might have been the basis for the TV title.Although the circumstances aren't quite the same (albeit they are both set in WWII), some of the dialog is exactly as I remember from the TV show. Even the sight gags and the situations are similar. Only things lacking are the Germans and the teapot.It's a fun movie and well worth watching. I've never seen it before and just can't help comparing it to Hogan's Heroes. Mickey Rooney is a hoot!

It is being shown on TCM, as of today 07182008. I've never seen it before, but am watching it now.I was amazed at the number of stars I saw listed in the beginning credits. I imagine it will be the same way people now view Ocean's 11 (the original) and in 30 years, view the remakes.I love Some Like it Hot. It shines mostly because of Jack Lemmon. His comedy as a woman is a riot, especially in the scenes with the old millionaire. Another great movie of his, and hard to find is "The Landlady" with Fred Astaire and Kim Novak.Anyway, I thank goodness for my DVR and TCM.mlyniam