
On the Double (1961) on Netflix
Approved19611h 32mAdventureComedyWar
American Private Ernie Williams, a talented mimic, is chosen to impersonate British General Sir Lawrence MacKenzie-Smith, a target of German intelligence. Nobody tells him he is the decoy.
- Netflix3.5/5
- IMDb6.4/10975 votes
- Rotten TomatoesNot available
Plot summary
German intelligence wants General Sir Lawrence MacKenzie-Smith dead, and the British need a lookalike to stand in for the chief planner of the invasion of mainland Europe. American Private Ernie Williams, a mimic who closely resembles him, is chosen for the ruse and presented to the General, who agrees to it after some reluctance. The essential detail, that Ernie is meant to draw enemy fire as a decoy, is kept from him. Lady Margaret, the General's wife, cuts short a war bond tour in Canada and returns to divorce him. She sees through the impostor at once, and once the situation is explained to her, she supplies details about her husband that help Ernie carry off the part.
Cast
Danny Kayeas Pfc. Ernie Williams
Dana Wynteras Lady Margaret MacKenzie-Smith
Wilfrid Hyde-Whiteas Colonel Somerset (as Wilfrid Hyde White)
Margaret Rutherfordas Lady Vivian
Diana Dorsas Sergeant Bridget Stanhope (as Miss Diana Dors)
Allan Cuthbertsonas Captain Patterson
Jesse Whiteas Corporal Joseph Praeger
Gregory Walcottas Colonel Rock Houston
Terence de Marneyas Sergeant Colin Twickenham (as Terence De Marney)
Rex Evansas General Carleton Brown Wiffingham
Rudolph Andersas Oberkommandant
Edgar Barrieras Blankmeister
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Did you know?!Facts and trivia about On the Double (1961)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- After making The Five Pennies, Danny Kaye, Melville Shavelson and Jack Rose decided to make a straight comedy, in Shavelson's words "a picture that had no message at all."
















