Il cambio della guardia

Probably made to capitalize on the success of Duvivier's "Don Camillo"SAGA ,this movie suffered accordingly;you do not change a winning team and here they are again:Fernandel and Gino Cervi.But it was not a blockbuster though.

Personally,as one of Duvivier's greatest fans,I have never thought ,however,that "Don Camillo" is among his best works ;so why not giving this one a chance?

Okay ,Cervi is the mayor again,and a mayor chosen by the fascists in a small town in Italy.And the Americans are about to arrive .A coward -as most of the characters of the film- he wants to call it a day and he asks his "good friend" the innkeeper (Fernandel) to replace him .

This is a pleasant comedy in which nobody wants to be a hero;in fact everybody's is busy saving his hide .Even when a fascist leader is murdered , they hide the body.The whodunit side does not matter ,although its solution is certainly smarter than many others. It's the depiction of an opportunist microcosm,where they furbish the German soldiers' helmets to use them to get rid of the militia and play "OH Suzanna" and "Yankee doodle" (and ring the bells) to welcome their liberators.

Fernandel's son is played by the actor's own son Franck (debut).You should see him bewail the fate of his poor boy,drafted on the very day of his wedding.

Ferandel and Gino Cervi are preparing for the marriage of their children, if the American forces, whose guns can be heard throughout the day, don't reach the town, or the local head of the Fascists, money lender, Dadda Gallotti, doesn't drag everyone off to fight. After Gallotti tears up the youngsters' marriage certificate, he prepares to leave town with a suitcase of gold, paper money, and mortgages. But he is found dead the next morning by the local trash collector. This impels Franco Parenti(who looks like Arthur Shields) to call in reinforcements. This, in turn, forces Fernandel and Cervi to keep moving around the dead body and the money. But other people are also moving them.

It's a general and genial farce of the little town with its own issues opposed to the bigger forces of the Second World War, with a typically funny performance by Fernandel, full of black humor and clockwork timing. Doubtless it was written and cast to work on the leads' performances in the Don Camilio movies, but it certainly succeeds on its own terms.

The movie offers a captivating portrayal of Italy during World War II, presented through a comedic lens that reflects the early 1960s' introspection and reconstruction. While it may have been created to capitalize on the success of the "Don Camillo" series, featuring the beloved pairing of Fernandel and Gino Cervi, the film emerges as a distinctive piece of cinema with its own charm and perspective.

Set in a small Italian town nearing American liberation, the film follows a cowardly fascist mayor (Cervi), who tries to avoid responsibility by persuading his innkeeper friend (Fernandel) to take over his duties. This setup leads to a series of comedic mishaps, as characters, preoccupied with self-preservation, navigate their chaotic situation. The film cleverly depicts a microcosm of opportunism, with characters more concerned with saving their own skins than with heroic acts.

"Il cambio della guardia" excels in its exploration of wartime opportunism and cowardice, presenting a nuanced view of life under fascism through humor and satire. The film subtly addresses the moral complexities faced by individuals living under fascist rule, without overtly condemning the period's actions. The comedic tone is evident throughout, with humorous schemes such as repurposing German helmets and playing American tunes to welcome the liberators.

Visually, the film captures the era with a distinctive realism. Its cinematography uses light and shadow to evoke the tension and uncertainty of the wartime period, although occasional inconsistencies in lighting and camera work can disrupt immersion. The production design is notable for its attention to period detail, effectively recreating the 1940s atmosphere, despite minor anachronisms that may momentarily pull viewers out of the historical context.

The chemistry between Fernandel and Cervi, already established in previous films, adds a layer of familiarity and charm to the movie. This dynamic, while successful, does not elevate the film to critical heights but provides an engaging and entertaining experience. The film's light-hearted approach contrasts with the more serious aspects of wartime Italy, offering a snapshot of a town's humorous attempts to adapt to changing circumstances.

Additionally, "Il cambio della guardia" marks a notable moment for Jimmy il Fenomeno, who, in a departure from his usual minor roles, plays the town's all-around worker, adding local color and further enhancing the film's charm.

The movie is a modest yet enjoyable film that leverages familiar actors and a comedic perspective to explore wartime Italy. While it may not offer deep critical commentary, its strong performances, realistic visuals, and playful approach provide a meaningful and entertaining look at a nation navigating its recent past with humor and ingenuity.