Kelly's Heroes

A ragtag World War II squad deserts to pull off a bank job behind enemy lines. Led by Clint Eastwood as Sergeant Kelly, the crew includes Master Sergeant Big Joe, tank commander Oddball, Staff Sergeant Crapgame, and Major General Colt. With a plan hampered by missteps, they slip past sentries, maneuver a tank through muddy backroads, and chase a payday that could alter their fates. Loyalties are tested as the operation unfolds and humor lightens the danger. Friendships form amid the chaos as optimism and fear collide.

Directed by Brian G Hutton with a screenplay by Troy Kennedy Martin, Kelly's Heroes arrived in 1970 as a breezy mix of adventure and satire. It was produced on a 4 million budget, with a lively ensemble and practical stunt work that let the humor breathe. Its reception helped it become a staple of late 70s and 80s reruns. The film blends raucous humor with suspenseful set pieces that showcase Eastwood's assertive charisma.

Box office wise the film earned about 5.2 million worldwide against a 4 million budget, making it a modest but solid earner for its era. It helped solidify Eastwoods bankable screen persona and kept the project moving for its creators.

Critics welcomed its breezy tone and strong ensemble, balancing light humor with wartime action. The film foregrounds camaraderie and improvisation under pressure, while the heist premise keeps the mood lively without slipping into dramedy. Audiences appreciated the film's pace and the mix of character types, from the steady Kelly to the wild card Crapgame.

Its accessible premise and star power helped it linger in home video rotations and late night TV viewings, where fans recall the characters and jokes. The title often appears in discussions of standout 70s war comedies alongside MASH, and Kelly's Heroes legacy continues in home video releases.