Kelly's Heroes

Kelly’s Heroes is a 1970 American war comedy directed by Brian G. Hutton and starring Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, Carroll O’Connor, and Donald Sutherland. Set during World War II, the film blends action, satire, and adventure, offering a fresh and irreverent take on the traditional war movie. Known for its offbeat humor and colorful cast of characters, Kelly’s Heroes has become a cult classic over the decades.

The story follows Private Kelly (Clint Eastwood), a former officer demoted to the ranks, who stumbles upon critical intelligence during a mission: a German colonel he captures reveals that a cache of gold bars worth $16 million is hidden behind enemy lines in a bank in the French town of Clermont. Realizing the opportunity of a lifetime, Kelly recruits a ragtag group of soldiers—led by tough, battle-hardened Sergeant “Big Joe” (Telly Savalas)—to embark on a dangerous, unauthorized mission to steal the gold.

Among the recruits are supply sergeant Crapgame (Don Rickles), a fast-talking wheeler-dealer always looking for profit, and the eccentric tank commander Oddball (Donald Sutherland), whose laid-back, hippie-like demeanor and unorthodox tactics bring some of the film’s most memorable moments. Oddball’s constant optimism, coupled with his catchphrases like “Always with the negative waves,” became a defining part of the film’s charm.

The journey to the gold forces the men to navigate enemy territory, engage in skirmishes with German troops, and even coordinate with their supposed adversaries when mutual benefit is at stake. Along the way, the film cleverly satirizes both the futility and absurdity of war, replacing the typical narrative of duty and patriotism with a more human—if morally ambiguous—motivation: greed.

Visually, Kelly’s Heroes combines large-scale battle sequences with moments of intimate character interaction. The tank battles are particularly well-executed, offering both spectacle and comedic undertones. Cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa captures the grit of the battlefield while also emphasizing the surreal nature of the mission, creating a blend of realism and parody.

The film’s tone was unusual for its time. Released during the Vietnam War era, Kelly’s Heroes reflected a growing cultural skepticism toward authority and the glorification of combat. While set in World War II, its irreverent humor and focus on profit over patriotism resonated with audiences living through a more cynical age. This subversive streak set it apart from many other war films of its generation.

The ensemble cast is one of the movie’s greatest strengths. Eastwood plays the cool-headed leader with his trademark stoicism, Savalas brings grit and authority, Rickles adds sharp-tongued wit, and Sutherland steals scenes with his offbeat charisma. Carroll O’Connor also shines as the blustering, oblivious Major General Colt, whose obsession with pushing the offensive inadvertently aids Kelly’s mission.

Upon release, Kelly’s Heroes received mixed reviews from critics, some unsure how to categorize its blend of comedy and war drama. Over time, however, it gained appreciation for its originality, memorable characters, and quotable lines. Today, it is celebrated as a unique war film that dares to be irreverent while still delivering thrilling action.