How Clint Eastwood’s Kelly’s Heroes Redefined the WWII Heist Movie!

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Apart from John Wayne, there’s no other actor as strongly associated with the genre of Westerns as Clint Eastwood. In movies outside this genre, audiences continue to appreciate the character Eastwood portrayed in films like “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and “A Fistful of Dollars”. This was particularly evident in “Kelly’s Heroes”. Released in 1970, this film brought together a talented ensemble cast that included Clint Eastwood alongside Donald Sutherland, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, Gavin MacLeod, and Carol O’Connor. “Kelly’s Heroes” is an exciting heist movie set during World War II, packed with action.

The storyline, where Private Kelly (Eastwood) guides an assorted band of people against the enemy to seize gold, may strike you as commonplace if you’re well-versed in numerous Western movies. In essence, Kelly’s Heroes can be labeled as a “World War II Western,” featuring gunfights and characters with flamboyant personalities, ultimately leading to a covert operation to plunder Nazi gold. With swift-moving action scenes and a hint of humor beneath the surface, Kelly’s Heroes is an entertaining journey driven by its cast, who don’t take their roles too seriously.

Assembling the Perfect Ensemble Cast

A significant factor that sets Western films apart is their diverse ensemble of characters with distinct personalities. Clint Eastwood’s portrayal of Kelly bears resemblance to his character as “The Man with No Name” in Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy. Kelly, a soldier with a complex history and exceptional skills in leadership and overcoming adversity, arrives in town without a hint of fear. Supporting Eastwood’s portrayal of the composed Kelly is Telly Savalas as Big Joe. Big Joe serves as the group’s backbone, a decorated war veteran and the physical strength any posse requires when confronting outlaws to “drive them out” of town.

In addition to Eastwood and Savalas, the cast includes Don Rickles as a character named Crapgame. Crapgame, a greedy soldier with an affinity for gambling, is keen on joining Kelly’s operation to retrieve the stolen Nazi gold. He might be the gambler in any other Western movie. Don Rickles’ knack for delivering humor perfectly complements the role and adds a touch of comedy, enhancing the humorous and action-packed atmosphere of “Kelly’s Heroes.” However, it’s Donald Sutherland as Oddball who truly shines in “Kelly’s Heroes.”

* Rounding out the ensemble cast, along with Eastwood and Savalas, is Don Rickles as Crapgame.
+ In addition to Eastwood and Savalas, the cast includes Don Rickles as a character called Crapgame.
* Crapgame, a money-hungry soldier who’s eager to join Kelly’s mission to help swipe the ill-gotten gold from the Nazis, might be the gambler in any other Western film.
+ Crapgame, a greedy soldier with an affinity for gambling, is keen on joining Kelly’s operation to retrieve the stolen Nazi gold. He might be the gambler in any other Western movie.
* Don Rickles’ natural ability to bring comedic timing and delivery to the role makes for excellent comic relief and bolsters the farcical tone of Kelly Heroes that coincides with the fast-paced action.
+ Don Rickles’ knack for delivering humor perfectly complements the role and adds a touch of comedy, enhancing the humorous and action-packed atmosphere of “Kelly’s Heroes.”
* However, if there’s one performance that steals the show in Kelly’s Heroes, it’s Donald Sutherland as Oddball.
+ However, it’s Donald Sutherland as Oddball who truly shines in “Kelly’s Heroes.

In a contemporary twist on the old-west trope, Oddball, leading his tank squad, steps into town as the new era’s knight in shining armor, saving the day just in time. With Kelly’s Heroes serving as a modern western of sorts, Oddball could be considered the unpredictable element within the group. The character, portrayed by Sutherland, bears strong resemblances to popular culture of its era, with his dialogue and behavior reflecting this. Essentially, Oddball embodies a fusion between a hippie and a beatnik, frequently scolding his subordinate Moriarty (played by Gavin MacLeod) for his negative attitude.

Crafting a World War II-Western Hybrid

In the movie Kelly’s Heroes, the stellar lineup of actors and their characters create a unique blend that resembles a World War II setting infused with Western elements. The storyline, which revolves around the hunt for secret gold, further emphasizes this Western vibe. This theme is commonly seen in Western films like Rio Lobo and The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly, where a band of unusual characters unite to recover a hidden treasure. By setting the story during World War II instead of the traditional Old West setting, action-packed scenes beyond typical shootouts or posse pursuits can unfold, adding a fresh twist to the classic treasure hunt narrative.

In Kelly’s Heroes, elements from the classic Western genre are blended with modern flair, appealing to fans of this genre. A notable instance is when Kelly, Big Joe, and Oddball stride along an empty street, poised to confront a Tiger tank, which resembles the iconic image of gunfighters walking towards a showdown. Additionally, the music that accompanies this scene, with its grand orchestral tone, echoes the atmosphere of a Sergio Leone Western. The ending also mirrors the traditional Western trope where the heroes ride off into the sunset after completing their mission, but in this case, they depart by truck instead of horseback.

All-Star Packed With Action and Entertainment

As a movie enthusiast, I can confidently say that “Kelly’s Heroes” stands out as a brilliant piece of 1970s action cinema. It masterfully demonstrates that classic tropes and themes from one genre aren’t confined to a single format. In an era where Clint Eastwood reigned supreme at the box office with his iconic roles, “Kelly’s Heroes” left a lasting impression among his many memorable performances. Remarkably, the formula that made “Kelly’s Heroes” an instant classic was resurrected in 1999 with the release of “Three Kings,” further testament to the enduring influence of this film across generations.

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2025-02-05 07:02