On The Double [DVD] [Region 2]

After the success of his dramatic turn in "The Five Pennies", Danny Kaye returned to comedy at the tail end of his film career. Fortunately, "On The Double" is probably his last great film, a jaunty WWII intrigue-filled farce about a timid American soldier (Kaye) tapped by the military to serve as a decoy for a famous British Colonel (who's targeted for death by the Nazis) after it's discovered he's a dead ringer for the man. From there, poor Kaye fumbles through his role as the stakes get higher, involving himself in the Colonel's personal entanglements with his lovely but underappreciated wife (Dana Wynter) and amorous chauffeur (Diana Dors). As with Kaye's best films, this one relies on his special gifts for dialect, wordplay & rubber-faced timing. Just watch Kaye as he does his stuff in such hilarious comedy pieces as a military innoculation ceremony; a "dignified" ballroom complete with lost contact lenses, a wild Scottish dance, and food fight; and a climactic gag marathon of switching disguises to escape Germany.Deftly helmed by notable director Mel Shavelson, its songs are supplied by Kaye's wife Sylvia Fine, and rounded out by a fine supporting cast (Wilfred Hyde-White and Jesse "Lonely Maytag Repairman" White). As with "Knock On Wood", Olive Films did a fine job of presenting this rare Kaye vehicle; the print is in good condition, and the colors vibrant.Thanks for finally bringing this long-unseen movie to DVD!

A lovely old movie, Danny Kaye at his traditional best. Funny and suspenseful.

When I was a kid I saw On the Double with Danny Kaye in the cinema. To see it again on dvd was great. It is even more funny than I remember. Danny Kaye as the coward who has to play a brave and bold officer is hilarious. The quality is in top. I warmly recommend it.

A little silly but well done.

Danny Kaye always does well. This movie is no exception. On The Double is well paced, has a good plot and enjoyable humour. It would be nice if some day, some enterprising person does a complete collection of all of Danny Kaye's performances.