Situation Hopeless--But Not Serious


1h 38m 1965

Brief Synopsis

During World War II, two Americans are forced to bail out and parachute into a small German town. Herr Frick, being equal parts patriotic and lonely, keeps them as prisoners of war in his bomb shelter. While his prisoners go stir crazy, Herr Frick must decide if he's willing to lose their companionship by letting them know the war has ended.

Film Details

Genre
Adaptation
Comedy
War
Release Date
Jan 1965
Premiere Information
New York opening: 13 Oct 1965
Production Company
Castle Productions
Distribution Company
Paramount Pictures
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the novel The Hiding Place by Robert Shaw (London, 1959).

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 38m
Sound
Mono
Color
Black and White

Synopsis

Near the end of World War II, American flyers Lucky and Hank are forced to parachute into a town in Germany. They are captured by Herr Frick, a shy, lonely clerk, who hides them in the cellar of his house. Frick treats the men very well but does not tell them when the war ends and instead keeps them prisoner for 7 years by fabricating stories of German victories. The village is occupied by American troops while the men are being held captive. Frick's fellow worker Edeltraud, a former Hitler Youth, has become the girl friend of an American master sergeant. Frick tries to secure a prostitute for Lucky as a Christmas present, but Lissie, the madam, thinks he is insane and has him thrown into the streets. Frick suffers a heart attack and is taken to a hospital; but, worried about Lucky and Hank, he breaks out with two policemen in close pursuit. Frick releases his prisoners but does not tell them the truth, and it is only after they blunder into a film crew making a war movie that they realize what has transpired. All three men are reunited in America, and Hank hires Frick as his butler.

Film Details

Genre
Adaptation
Comedy
War
Release Date
Jan 1965
Premiere Information
New York opening: 13 Oct 1965
Production Company
Castle Productions
Distribution Company
Paramount Pictures
Country
United States
Screenplay Information
Based on the novel The Hiding Place by Robert Shaw (London, 1959).

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 38m
Sound
Mono
Color
Black and White

Quotes

Trivia

Notes

Filmed in West Germany.

Miscellaneous Notes

Released in United States Fall October 1965

Released in United States Fall October 1965