What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?
“The screen dares reveal the best kept secrets of World War II!”
Synopsis
A by-the-book Captain is ordered to capture a strategic village in Italy. The Italian soldiers are willing to surrender, if they can have a festival first. The lieutenant convinces the Captain this is the only way. Because of aerial reconnaissance, they must look like they are fighting. To sort this out an intelligence officer is sent in. Meanwhile the festival gets complicated with the Mayors daughter.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Official TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2026-05-18
Top Cast
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James Coburn
Lieutenant Christian
Dick Shawn
Captain Lionel Cash
Sergio Fantoni
Captain Oppo
Aldo Ray
Sergeant Rizzo
Giovanna Ralli
Gina Romano
Harry Morgan
Major Pott
Carroll O'Connor
General Bolt
Leon Askin
Colonel Kastorp
Thomas Hunter
American GI #3
Jay Novello
Mayor Romano
Art Lewis
Needleman
Johnny Seven
Vittorio
Joe Lo Presti
Italian Soldier (uncredited)
Rico Cattani
Benedetto
Vito Scotti
Frederico
William Bryant
Minow
Kurt Kreuger
German Captain
Robert Carricart
Cook
Release History & Theatrical Window
August 31, 1966
Wide Cinema Exhibition
February 29, 2024
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Blake Edwards
- Screenplay & Story
- William Peter Blatty
- Original Score
- Henry Mancini
- Original Title
- What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- Italian, German, English
- Runtime
- 1h 56m
- Production Studios
- United Artists, The Mirisch Company
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Blake Edwards
William Peter Blatty, Maurice Richlin, Blake Edwards
Henry Mancini
Philip H. Lathrop, Harold E. Wellman
Ralph E. Winters
Blake Edwards, Owen Crump
Department Leadership Roster
Blake Edwards
Director
Henry Mancini
Original Music Composer
Philip H. Lathrop
Director of Photography
Ralph E. Winters
Editor
William Peter Blatty
Screenplay
Fernando Carrere
Production Design
Blake Edwards
Producer
Jack Bear
Costume Design
Dick Crockett
Stunt Coordinator
Harold E. Wellman
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?.
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Frequently Asked Questions About What Did You Do in the War, Daddy?
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? about?
A by-the-book Captain is ordered to capture a strategic village in Italy. The Italian soldiers are willing to surrender, if they can have a festival first. The lieutenant convinces the Captain this is the only way. Because of aerial reconnaissance, they must look like they are fighting. To sort this out an intelligence officer is sent in. Meanwhile the festival gets complicated with the Mayors daughter.
Who directed What Did You Do in the War, Daddy??
What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? was directed by Blake Edwards.
Who stars in What Did You Do in the War, Daddy??
The principal cast of What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? includes James Coburn, Dick Shawn, Sergio Fantoni, Aldo Ray, Giovanna Ralli.
When was What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? released and how long is it?
What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? was released in 1966 with a total runtime of 1h 56m.
Who composed the musical score for What Did You Do in the War, Daddy??
The original motion picture soundtrack for What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? was composed by Henry Mancini.
What is the age rating and content advisory for What Did You Do in the War, Daddy??
What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? holds official age classifications: DE: 12 (FSK 12 — Restricted to viewers aged 12 and older.); US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).