Review of Adolf Hitler My Part In His Downfall

Introduction

1972`s Adolf Hitler: My Part In His Downfall was adapted from the book of the same name, written by one of the Godfathers of modern comedy, Mr Terence Alan Patrick Sean Milligan, better known to the world as Spike. The book (and the film) tell of Spike`s experiences when he was called up for National Service to fight in World War II.

It stars a veritable who`s who of Brits from the 1960s and 1970s with Jim Dale (best known for Carry On roles), Arthur Lowe (either Dad`s Army or the Mr Men depending on your age), Bill Maynard, Pat Coombs, Windsor Davies, Tony Booth (Cherie`s dad) and Bob Todd (often a straight man for Benny Hill) all appearing. Watch out also for Jim Norton (who you`ll know as Bishop Len Brennan from the wonderful Father Ted).

Video

A 1.85:1 anamorphic transfer awaits, and as you might expect from an unheralded 30 year old film from the MGM back catalogue, it`s a bit of a mixed bag. For the most part it actually looks quite good, but there are also quite a few moments where a lot of print damage is visible, as well as some very grainy moments which are more than a little distracting.

Audio

A DD2.0 stereo soundtrack which is the original mono soundtrack replayed over both channels. Nothing to write home about, but there`s also nothing really wrong with it from a technical point of view as everything is audible.

Features

Not a single weeny little thing.

Conclusion

Adolf Hitler: My Part In His Downfall is certainly an interesting film with a few points to make. You really should read the book of course, as well as the rest of Spike`s written works. Various bits of the book have been messed around with to get them onto the screen, but it still works on the whole. It can be hard going trying to plod through the story as the progress through it is a little stunted.

Being a Spike Milligan tale you may expect lots of zany moments, but there`s a serious side here too which shouldn`t be underestimated. The only real problem is that I can`t take Jim Dale seriously enough at the right moments, and he`s just not always right as the young Spike. You expect him to have a comedy syringe moment at any time. Milligan himself is excellent playing his own father.

The DVD itself is a reasonable back catalogue effort with acceptable picture and sound, and the usual lack of extras. Fans of the film or the man will definitely go for this, and it`s worth it at a budget price.