The Shortest Day 1963
Directed by the razor-sharp Sergio Corbucci, *The Shortest Day (1963)* is a wartime comedy brimming with chaotic charm and absurd luck.
Director: Sergio Corbucci
Cast
Ciccio Ingrassia
Francesco Coppola
Franco Franchi
Franco Lo Grugno
Gino Cervi
Colonnello Daini
Totò
frate bersagliere
Eduardo De Filippo
mafioso
Peppino De Filippo
Zio Peppino
Terence Hill
Soldato austriaco
Aldo Fabrizi
facchino
Walter Chiari
avvocato difensore
Jean-Paul Belmondo
Erede Siciliano (uncredited)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is *The Shortest Day (1963)* about?
This 1963 Italian comedy follows two hapless recruits in World War I whose sheer incompetence accidentally leads to a crucial victory. Sergio Corbucci's film blends slapstick humor with a satirical edge, questioning the line between luck and heroism. It's a farce where the absurd becomes the unexpected triumph.
Who directed *The Shortest Day*?
The film was directed by Sergio Corbucci, the Italian filmmaker renowned for his sharp comedies and spaghetti westerns like *Django*. His signature blend of humor and social commentary shines in this wartime farce.
Who stars in *The Shortest Day*?
The cast features comedy legends Ciccio Ingrassia and Franco Franchi as the bumbling recruits, alongside Gino Cervi, Totò, and the iconic De Filippo brothers—Eduardo and Peppino—who bring depth and humor to their roles.
Is *The Shortest Day (1963)* worth watching?
While it's a classic of Italian comedy, *The Shortest Day* is best enjoyed as a time capsule of mid-century absurdity rather than a groundbreaking war film. Fans of classic comedies will appreciate its wit and charm, though it's more of a niche pick for modern audiences. Worth a watch for its historical comedic value.
How long is *The Shortest Day*?
The runtime for *The Shortest Day (1963)* is 87 minutes.
About The Shortest Day (1963) — A Wartime Comedy Classic of Chaos and Luck
Directed by the razor-sharp Sergio Corbucci, *The Shortest Day (1963)* is a wartime comedy brimming with chaotic charm and absurd luck. Set against the backdrop of World War I, the film follows two bumbling conscripts—played by the beloved Italian comedy duo Ciccio Ingrassia and Franco Franchi—who stumble into military service and, against all odds, play an unlikely role in securing a pivotal battle. Corbucci's knack for blending humor with historical backdrop shines as the duo's sheer incompetence inadvertently turns the tide of war, offering a satirical take on heroism and incompetence alike. With Gino Cervi, Totò, and the legendary Eduardo and Peppino De Filippo rounding out the cast, the film balances slapstick antics with sharp wit, creating an unforgettable farce steeped in wartime absurdity.
The movie's tone oscillates between irreverent laughter and a sly commentary on the futility of war, all wrapped in the classic comedic style of mid-century Italian cinema. Corbucci's direction ensures the film never skirts into farce without purpose, grounding the madness in a relatable, almost heartfelt chaos. *The Shortest Day (1963)* isn't just a comedy—it's a celebration of the unpredictable, a reminder that sometimes the most accidental figures leave the most indelible marks.
