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Features: DVD
This is the true story of two members of England's Army Dental Corps, Sgt. Peter King (Kenneth Cranham), a World War I veteran looking to keep on fighting, and Private Leslie Cuthbertson (Leo Bill), a wet-behind-the-ears trainee, whose dedication to helping the war effort during World War II inspired them to leave their posts and attempt to join the war effort in France. Sneaking into occupied territory in 1942 (long before D-Day), the two dentists find love, friendship and ultimately a German radar station. A good-hearted comic drama that shows that real heroes and true courage comes from the individual.
"This unabashedly nostalgic film, mocks the absurdity of war, but between the chuckles, plucks the heartstrings" Stephen Holden, The New York Times
Editor's Note
In this charmingly patriotic British comedy based on a true story, two WWII army dentists invade occupied France--all on their own. Scrawny dreamer Leslie Cuthbertson (Leo Bill) can't concentrate on battlefield dentistry lectures; rather he daydreams about becoming a combat soldier. Sergeant Peter King (Kenneth Cranham) has devoted himself to his dental corps career, and scoffs at Leslie's inability to accept his position. Everything changes, however, when the Sergeant loses a promotion. Feeling washed up, King recruits the distractible Leslie in a plan to go AWOL and destroy a German radar post. Despite their bumbling, the duo manages to make history while proving exactly how brave dentists can be.TWO MEN WENT TO WAR feels a like a high quality made-for-television movie, with a solid cast that includes Kenneth Cranham--known primarily for his television roles--and Derek Jacobi, adding depth and humor to the narrowly drawn characters. Similar to other programs that use humor to diffuse stories from this painful period, such as HOPE AND GLORY, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL, and the popular BBC sitcom DAD'S ARMY, this film provides an inspiring tale of loyalty and determination.
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| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Release Date: 8/7/2007 |
| Running Time: 109 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 2004 | | Catalog ID: 122K4D | | UPC: 00825284200065 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Video: Color |
| Cast & Crew | Kenneth Cranham | | Leo Bill | | Phyllida Lavelle | | Rosanna Lavelle | | Amit Barooah, et. al. - Executive Producer | | John Henderson - Director | | John Ignatius - Cinematographer | | Kevin Finn, et. al. - Editor | | Pat Harding, et. al. - Producer | | Raymond Foxall - Based On Novel By | | Richard Everett, et. al. - Writer | | Richard Harvey - Original Music By | | Sophie Becher, et. al. - Production Designer |
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| | Professional Reviews | Box Office
"[The film] works wonderfully....[It] might also be one of the most beautiful releases of 2004..." 04/01/2004 p.156Los Angeles Times
"[A] British World War II satire that is as straightforward as its title, delivering exactly what you would expect: a pleasant bit of stiff-upper-lip nostalgia with a touch of whimsy." 04/30/2004 p.E6 San Francisco Chronicle 8 of 10
If whimsy isn't your mug of tea, stay away from Two Men Went to War. You have to be in the mood for a little sweetness to enjoy this resolutely old- fashioned comedy about two British soldiers in 1942 who wage a private war against the Germans. That the heroes happen to be dentists and that their story is real only add to the movie's pleasantly quirky air. Sgt. King (Kenneth Cranham) and Pvt. Cuthbertson (Leo Bill) are stationed with the Royal Army Dental Corps in the Hampshire town of Aldershot, 40 miles southwest of London. But they dream of glory beyond casting dentures. - Walter Addiego
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