It is well known that many comic actors are frustrated serious dramatic thespians. Why else would Charlie Chaplin make Monsieur Verdoux or Limelight? Or Bill Murray tackle the leading roles in the remake of The Razor's Edge or Mad Dog and Glory? Or Steve Martin take on such projects as the 1981 version of Pennies From Heaven or The Spanish Prisoner? Or Cary Grant (who picked his roles with great care) assume the part of the disillusioned Cockney drifter in the decidedly downbeat None But The Lonely Heart?
Apparently, the reverse situation is far less common. Laurence Olivier made The Divorce Of Lady X in 1938, and that did not tempt him to do comedy again when he became more famous and in better control of his career (with the exception of the unfortunate The Prince And The Showgirl). The Bride Came C.O.D. and The Man Who Came To Dinner were projects that Bette Davis made without much commitment--and it shows. Greer Garson starred in Julia Misbehaves and the less said about it the better. Humphrey Bogart seems decidedly out of his element in Sabrina.
This leads us to Danny Kaye and Me And The Colonel (MATC). This film represents a real departure from Kaye's generally hyperkinetic physical comedies of earlier years. In MATC, he takes on the part of a somewhat shy, gentle, clever but understated character just trying to survive in a very unsettled world. He does this with great sensitivity and believability. Kaye actually makes it seem plausible that such a man could be seen as attractive by the very lovely Nicole Maurey. None of the manic aspects of Danny Kaye's comic character surface during the movie. His naturalistic acting style is quite engaging. The delightful interplay between Kaye and Curt Jurgens (the anti-Semitic Colonel who grows to greatly appreciate Kaye's Jewish Samuel Jacobowsky) is a real treat to watch. It is refreshing to see a Jewish character depicted in a way that makes his cunning, intelligence and wit appear as positive rather than negative personal attributes.
This is a lovely film that is not well known by the general public. It successfully transforms a serious wartime situation that borders on tragedy into a journey of growth, discovery and humanity. Kaye had every right to be proud that he made this movie.
