Hannibal Brooks (1969)

Simply Perfect

To all those who have watched it: I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do.

The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

Sadly they do not make films of this type today. an innocent film (if a film about war can be that), and very funny in places which also does not surprisingly, conflict with the film's war content.I have seen this brilliant 'British' film only twice and narrowly missed seeing (and recording)it for the third time recently. As it doesn't seem to be shown on TV (as often as the Great Escape anyway), I tried to buy a DVD instead. I was therefore completely surprised and frustrated to find it isn't listed as available anywhere, as far as I could see.Mr Winner, if you ever read this, please, please, please, make arrangements for this excellent film to be made available (again?) with possibly,dare I suggest, a Director's commentary, and comments from some of the (sadly few) remaining actors.

I stumbled on this movie on a Sunday afternoon and, having nothing better to do, sat down to watch. I wasn't expecting much--director Michael Winner doesn't have the strongest reputation--but this was a very well-done film. It has that 60s anti-establishment tone, though Oliver Reed's character is more indifferent to war than an outright rebel. When he is captured, Reed's character, Hannibal Brooks, volunteers to work at the Munich zoo and becomes the caretaker for the zoo's elephant, Lucy. When the German caretaker is killed in a bombing raid, Brooks is put in charge and directed to take the elephant to safety in Ausria. What follows is a series of largely comic misadventures, though the film does develop a serious tone as it goes on. Unable to take the elephant by train, Brooks sets off on foot, accompanied by two German guards and a female cook. There is some great German scenery in the film as Brooks and company make their way into the high country. Following the accidental death of one of the guards, plans change and the remaining trio make their way to Switzerland. There's a rogueish American escapee, played by Michael J. Pollard, who keeps crossing paths with Brooks, as well as a German officer, played by Wolfgang Preiss, whose path crosses Brooks' as well. Rather reluctantly, Brooks becomes something of a hero, though he's motivated more by his desire to keep Lucy safe than by anything else. A very enjoyable movie that I wouldn't mind seeing again some time.

Very interesting story concept. It's worth watching for that novelty alone, however, thankfully, there are other reasons. Some decent action, comedy, and even some well performed and interesting characters exist in this slightly off beat film. If you can suspend you're disbelief enough to accept that an elephant can traipse about a countryside with little to no food for it to eat, then you should be able to enjoy Hannibal Brooks.6 of 10 stars

They simply do not make films like this any longer. Anyone who is reading this probably already knows what the film is essentially about. This particular movie has a truly timeless quality about, and all the various plot twists and surprises never leave the viewer at all bored. Michael J. Pollard and Oliver Reed work very well together on screen, and it is too bad that this is the only film the two them made with one another.Try your best to locate this film, as it is frequently listed. Again, this movie is great fun and is worth repeated viewings!