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{{short description|1996 American comedy film directed by Jonathan Lynn}}
{{short description|1996 American comedy film directed by Jonathan Lynn}}
{{about||the TV series|The Phil Silvers Show}}
{{for|the TV series|The Phil Silvers Show}}
{{Infobox film
{{Infobox film
| name=Sgt. Bilko
| name = Sgt. Bilko
| image=Sgt bilko poster.jpg
| image = Sgt bilko poster.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Jonathan Lynn]]
| writer=[[Nat Hiken]] (premise) <br> [[Andy Breckman]] (screenplay)
| writer = [[Andy Breckman]]
| based_on = {{Based on|''[[The Phil Silvers Show]]''|[[Nat Hiken]]}}
⚫
| producer = [[Brian Grazer]]
| starring = {{Plainlist|
| starring = {{Plainlist|
* [[Steve Martin]]
* [[Steve Martin]]
* [[Dan Aykroyd]]
* [[Dan Aykroyd]]
* [[Phil Hartman]]
* [[Phil Hartman]]
* [[Glenne Headly]]}}
* [[Glenne Headly]]
}}
| director=[[Jonathan Lynn]]
| cinematography = [[Peter Sova]]
⚫
| editing = Tony Lombardo
| music=[[Alan Silvestri]]
| music = [[Alan Silvestri]]
| cinematography=Peter Sova
⚫
| studio = [[Imagine Entertainment]]
⚫
| editing=[[Tony Lombardo]]
⚫
| distributor = [[Universal Pictures]]
⚫
| studio= [[Imagine Entertainment]]
⚫
| released = {{Film date|1996|3|29}}
⚫
| distributor= [[Universal Pictures]]
⚫
| runtime = 94 minutes
⚫
| released={{film date|1996|3|29}}
⚫
| country = United States
⚫
| runtime=94 minutes
⚫
| language = English
⚫
| country = United States|
⚫
| budget = $39 million
⚫
| language=English
⚫
| gross = $37,956,793
| movie_series=
| awards=|
⚫
| producer=[[Brian Grazer]]
⚫
| budget= $39 million
⚫
| gross= $37,956,793
}}
}}
⚫
'''''Sgt. Bilko''''' is a 1996 American [[Military fiction|military]] [[comedy film]] directed by [[Jonathan Lynn]] and written by [[Andy Breckman]]. It is an adaptation of the 1950s television series ''[[The Phil Silvers Show]]'', often informally called ''Sgt. Bilko'', or simply ''Bilko'', and stars [[Steve Martin]], [[Dan Aykroyd]], [[Phil Hartman]] and [[Glenne Headly]].

⚫
'''''Sgt. Bilko''''' is a 1996 American [[comedy film]] directed by [[Jonathan Lynn]] and written by [[Andy Breckman]]. It is an adaptation of the iconic 1950s television series ''[[The Phil Silvers Show]]'', often informally called ''Sgt. Bilko'', or simply ''Bilko'', and stars [[Steve Martin]], [[Dan Aykroyd]], and [[Phil Hartman]].


==Plot==
==Plot==
[[Master Sergeant]] Ernest G. Bilko is in charge of the motor pool at Fort Baxter, a small [[United States Army]] base that develops new military technology. Exploiting this position, he directs a number of scams, ranging from gambling to renting out military vehicles. His commanding officer, [[Colonel]] John Hall, overlooks Bilko's money-making schemes, as he is more concerned with problems in the hovertank that the base is designing.
[[Master Sergeant]] Ernest G. Bilko is in charge of the motor pool at Fort Baxter, a small [[United States Army]] base that develops new military technology. Exploiting this position, he directs a number of scams, ranging from gambling to renting out military vehicles. His commanding officer, [[Colonel]] John Hall, overlooks Bilko's money-making schemes, as he is more concerned with problems in the "Hover Tank" that the base is designing.


[[Major]] Colin Thorn, an officer from the U.S. Army Inspector General's office, arrives at the camp and begins to scrutinize Bilko's record. Officially, Thorn is at Fort Baxter to conduct a general inspection and determine if the base should remain open in light of recent defense cutbacks. He is also determined to get revenge on Bilko to settle an old score the two have from [[Fort Dix]], where Thorn was nearly court-martialed after a fixed boxing match which resulted in Thorn being shipped off to [[Greenland]] in the belief that he tried to fix the fight.
[[Major (rank)|Major]] Colin Thorn, an officer from the [[Office of the Inspector General of the United States Army|U.S. Army Inspector General]]'s office, arrives at the camp and begins to scrutinize Bilko's record. Officially, Thorn is at Fort Baxter to conduct a general inspection and determine if the base should remain open in light of recent defense cutbacks. He is also determined to get revenge on Bilko to settle an old score the two have from [[Fort Dix]], where Thorn was nearly court-martialed after a fixed boxing match which resulted in Thorn being shipped off to [[Greenland]] in the belief that he tried to fix the fight.


Bitter and unprincipled, Thorn is not above breaking the law to ruin Bilko. He attempts to steal Bilko's long-time fiancée Rita, whom Bilko has stood up at the altar more than a dozen times. Rita is tired of waiting and gives Bilko 30 days to win her back or lose her for good.
Bitter and unprincipled, Thorn is not above breaking the law to ruin Bilko. He attempts to steal Bilko's long-time fiancée Rita, whom Bilko has stood up at the altar more than a dozen times. Rita is tired of waiting and gives Bilko 30 days to win her back or lose her for good.


Bilko, with the help of newly assigned Private First Class Wally Holbrook, devises a means of avoiding Thorn's attempt to transfer him to Greenland: He rigs a demonstration of the base's malfunctioning hovertank, staged before a four-star general and numerous dignitaries. Since Thorn had deliberately tried to sabotage the tank the previous night, he confronts Bilko, Hall, and the general, loudly insulting Bilko and Hall. While ranting, he confesses to sabotaging the hovertank. Thorn is sent off again to Greenland.
Bilko, with the help of newly assigned Private First Class Wally Holbrook, devises a means of avoiding Thorn's attempt to transfer him to Greenland: He rigs a demonstration of the base's malfunctioning Hover Tank, staged before a four-star general and numerous government officials. Since Thorn had deliberately tried to sabotage the tank the previous night, he confronts Bilko, Hall, and the general, loudly insulting Bilko and Hall. While ranting, he confesses to sabotaging the Hover Tank. Thorn is sent off again to Greenland.


The last day of Rita's ultimatum has come. Just as she sadly begins to write Bilko off forever, Rita hears men outside her house, serenading her with a [[Only You (And You Alone)|favorite song]] of hers and Bilko's. Looking out, she sees Bilko and his platoon. Bilko asks Rita to marry him, and she accepts. The next day is their day wedding day, but Rita shows up late, revealing it was [[Daylight Saving Time]]. After they play another card game, they finally get married. Unknown to Bilko, Rita is holding four aces in her hand.
The last day of Rita's ultimatum has come. Just as she sadly begins to write Bilko off forever, Rita hears men outside her house, serenading her with a [[Only You (And You Alone)|favorite song]] of hers and Bilko's. Looking out, she sees Bilko and his platoon. Bilko asks Rita to marry him, and she accepts. The next day is their wedding day, but Rita shows up late, due to a mix-up over [[Daylight Saving Time]]. After they play another card game (if Bilko wins, they get married), they finally get married. Unknown to Bilko, Rita is holding four aces in her hand.


==Cast==
==Cast==
{{castlist|
*[[Steve Martin]] as [[Master Sergeant]] Ernest G. Bilko
*[[Steve Martin]] as [[Master Sergeant]] Ernest G. Bilko
*[[Dan Aykroyd]] as Col. John T. Hall
*[[Dan Aykroyd]] as Col. John T. Hall
*[[Phil Hartman]] as Maj. Colin Thorn
*[[Phil Hartman]] as Maj. Colin Thorn
*[[Glenne Headly]] as Rita Robbins
*[[Glenne Headly]] as Rita Robbins
⚫
*[[Daryl Mitchell (actor)|Daryl Mitchell]] as Pfc. Walter "Wally" T. Holbrook
⚫
*[[John Marshall Jones]] as Sgt. Henshaw
*[[Pamela Adlon]] as Sgt. Raquel Barbella
*[[Austin Pendleton]] as Maj. Ebersole
*[[Austin Pendleton]] as Maj. Ebersole
*[[Chris Rock]] as 1st Lt. Oster
*[[Max Casella]] as Spc. Dino Paparelli
⚫
*Eric Edwards as Pvt. Duane Doberman
⚫
*[[Cathy Silvers]] as 1st Lt. Monday
*[[Steve Park (comedian)|Steve Park]] as Capt. Moon
⚫
*[[Debra Jo Rupp]] as Mrs. Hall
*[[Richard Herd]] as Gen. Tennyson
*[[Dan Ferro]] as Spc. Tony Morales
*[[Dan Ferro]] as Spc. Tony Morales
⚫
*[[John Marshall Jones]] as Sgt. Henshaw
⚫
*Brian Leckner as Pfc. Sam Fender
*[[John Ortiz]] as Spc. Luis Clemente
*[[John Ortiz]] as Spc. Luis Clemente
*[[Max Casella]] as Spc. Dino Paparelli
*[[Pamela Adlon|Pamela Segall]] as Sgt. Raquel Barbella
⚫
*[[Daryl Mitchell (actor)|Daryl Mitchell]] as Pfc. Walter "Wally" T. Holbrook
*[[Mitchell Whitfield]] as Pfc. Mickey Zimmerman
*[[Mitchell Whitfield]] as Pfc. Mickey Zimmerman
⚫
*[[Cathy Silvers|Catherine Silvers]] as 1st Lt. Monday
⚫
*Brian Leckner as Pfc. Sam Fender
⚫
*[[Debra Jo Rupp]] as Mrs. Hall
⚫
*Eric Edwards as Pvt. Duane Doberman
*[[Charles C. Stevenson]] as Minister
*[[Richard Herd]] as Gen. Tennyson
*Steve Kehela as Master Sergeant Stan Sowicki
⚫
*[[Travis Tritt]] as himself
*[[Steve Kehela]] as Master Sergeant Stan Sowicki
*[[Steve Park (comedian)|Steve Park]] as Capt. Moon
*[[Reno Wilson]] as Radio DJ
*[[Chris Rock]] as 1st Lt. Oster
⚫
*[[Travis Tritt]] as Self
}}


== Production ==
===Casting===

Both [[Albert Brooks]] and [[Michael Keaton]] turned down the role of Bilko, and [[Robin Williams]] and [[Billy Crystal]] expressed interest in it before the role finally went to Martin.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117608/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv|title=IMDB}}</ref>
[[Albert Brooks]] was offered the role of Ernest G. Bilko, but turned it down.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2011/06/the-lost-roles-of-albert-brooks.html|title=The Lost Roles of Albert Brooks|first=Bradford|last=Evans|date=June 30, 2011|website=Vulture}}</ref>


== Reception ==
== Reception ==
On the film-critic aggregator [[Rotten Tomatoes]], ''Sgt. Bilko'' received a 31% positive ratings from 39 reviews.<ref>[http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sgt_bilko/ ''Sgt. Bilko''] at [[Rotten Tomatoes]]</ref> It also failed at the box office.<ref>[http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=sgtbilko.htm ''Sgt. Bilko''] at [[Box Office Mojo]]</ref>
On the film-critic aggregator [[Rotten Tomatoes]], ''Sgt. Bilko'' received a 30% positive ratings from 40 reviews, with an average rating of 4.6/10.<ref>[https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sgt_bilko/ ''Sgt. Bilko''] at [[Rotten Tomatoes]]</ref> On [[Metacritic]], it has a score of 47 out of 100 based on reviews from 23 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sgt. Bilko Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/sgt-bilko |access-date=September 20, 2022 |website=Metacritic |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref>

[[Gene Siskel]] and [[Roger Ebert]] gave it two thumbs up on [[At the Movies (1986 TV program)|their television show]].<ref name="siskelebert">{{cite AV media|url=https://siskelebert.org/?p=7182|title=Sgt. Bilko, Jack & Sarah, A Family Thing, Carried Away, From the Journals of Jean Seberg, 1996, (incomplete)|date=August 14, 2019|access-date=March 10, 2021|via=siskelebert.org}}</ref> Ebert praised Steve Martin's performance and enjoyed "all the little jokes hidden in the corners" of the movie.<ref name="ebert">{{cite web |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/sgt-bilko-1996 |title= Sgt. Bilko |work=RogerEbert.com |date=1996-03-29|access-date=2021-03-10}}</ref> Audiences surveyed by [[CinemaScore]] gave the film a grade of "B+" on a scale of A+ to F.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |title= Cinemascore |url-status = dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20181220122629/https://www.cinemascore.com/publicsearch/index/title/ |archive-date= 2018-12-20|access-date=2020-07-21 }}</ref> It won the award for Worst Resurrection of a TV Show at the [[1996 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://theenvelope.latimes.com/extras/lostmind/year/1996/1996st.htm |title=Past Winners Database |date= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070103153105/http://theenvelope.latimes.com/extras/lostmind/year/1996/1996st.htm |accessdate=2021-06-07|archive-date=2007-01-03 }}</ref> It also failed at the box office.<ref>[https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=sgtbilko.htm ''Sgt. Bilko''] at [[Box Office Mojo]]</ref>


==References==
==References==
Line 78: Line 80:
*{{IMDb title|id=0117608|title=Sgt. Bilko}}
*{{IMDb title|id=0117608|title=Sgt. Bilko}}
*{{Mojo title|sgtbilko|Sgt. Bilko}}
*{{Mojo title|sgtbilko|Sgt. Bilko}}
*[http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sgt_bilko/ ''Sgt. Bilko''] at [[Rotten Tomatoes]]
*[https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/sgt_bilko/ ''Sgt. Bilko''] at [[Rotten Tomatoes]]


{{Jonathan Lynn}}
{{Jonathan Lynn}}
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[[Category:1996 films]]
[[Category:1996 films]]
[[Category:1990s comedy films]]
[[Category:1996 comedy films]]
⚫
[[Category:American films]]
[[Category:American comedy films]]
[[Category:American comedy films]]
[[Category:English-language films]]
[[Category:1990s English-language films]]
[[Category:Films about con artists]]
[[Category:Films about con artists]]
[[Category:Films about the United States Army]]
[[Category:Films about the United States Army]]
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[[Category:Films scored by Alan Silvestri]]
[[Category:Films scored by Alan Silvestri]]
[[Category:Imagine Entertainment films]]
[[Category:Imagine Entertainment films]]
[[Category:Military humor in film]]
[[Category:Military comedy films]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Andy Breckman]]
[[Category:Films with screenplays by Andy Breckman]]
[[Category:Universal Pictures films]]
[[Category:Universal Pictures films]]
⚫
[[Category:1990s American films]]

Latest revision as of 07:03, 13 December 2024

For the TV series, see The Phil Silvers Show.
Sgt. Bilko
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJonathan Lynn
Written byAndy Breckman
Based onThe Phil Silvers Show
by Nat Hiken
Produced byBrian Grazer
Starring
CinematographyPeter Sova
Edited byTony Lombardo
Music byAlan Silvestri
Production
company
Distributed byUniversal Pictures
Release date
  • March 29, 1996 (1996-03-29)
Running time
94 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Budget$39 million
Box office$37,956,793

Sgt. Bilko is a 1996 American military comedy film directed by Jonathan Lynn and written by Andy Breckman. It is an adaptation of the 1950s television series The Phil Silvers Show, often informally called Sgt. Bilko, or simply Bilko, and stars Steve Martin, Dan Aykroyd, Phil Hartman and Glenne Headly.

Plot

[edit]

Master Sergeant Ernest G. Bilko is in charge of the motor pool at Fort Baxter, a small United States Army base that develops new military technology. Exploiting this position, he directs a number of scams, ranging from gambling to renting out military vehicles. His commanding officer, Colonel John Hall, overlooks Bilko's money-making schemes, as he is more concerned with problems in the "Hover Tank" that the base is designing.

Major Colin Thorn, an officer from the U.S. Army Inspector General's office, arrives at the camp and begins to scrutinize Bilko's record. Officially, Thorn is at Fort Baxter to conduct a general inspection and determine if the base should remain open in light of recent defense cutbacks. He is also determined to get revenge on Bilko to settle an old score the two have from Fort Dix, where Thorn was nearly court-martialed after a fixed boxing match which resulted in Thorn being shipped off to Greenland in the belief that he tried to fix the fight.

Bitter and unprincipled, Thorn is not above breaking the law to ruin Bilko. He attempts to steal Bilko's long-time fiancée Rita, whom Bilko has stood up at the altar more than a dozen times. Rita is tired of waiting and gives Bilko 30 days to win her back or lose her for good.

Bilko, with the help of newly assigned Private First Class Wally Holbrook, devises a means of avoiding Thorn's attempt to transfer him to Greenland: He rigs a demonstration of the base's malfunctioning Hover Tank, staged before a four-star general and numerous government officials. Since Thorn had deliberately tried to sabotage the tank the previous night, he confronts Bilko, Hall, and the general, loudly insulting Bilko and Hall. While ranting, he confesses to sabotaging the Hover Tank. Thorn is sent off again to Greenland.

The last day of Rita's ultimatum has come. Just as she sadly begins to write Bilko off forever, Rita hears men outside her house, serenading her with a favorite song of hers and Bilko's. Looking out, she sees Bilko and his platoon. Bilko asks Rita to marry him, and she accepts. The next day is their wedding day, but Rita shows up late, due to a mix-up over Daylight Saving Time. After they play another card game (if Bilko wins, they get married), they finally get married. Unknown to Bilko, Rita is holding four aces in her hand.

Cast

[edit]

Casting

[edit]

Albert Brooks was offered the role of Ernest G. Bilko, but turned it down.[1]

Reception

[edit]

On the film-critic aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Sgt. Bilko received a 30% positive ratings from 40 reviews, with an average rating of 4.6/10.[2] On Metacritic, it has a score of 47 out of 100 based on reviews from 23 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".[3]

Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert gave it two thumbs up on their television show.[4] Ebert praised Steve Martin's performance and enjoyed "all the little jokes hidden in the corners" of the movie.[5] Audiences surveyed by CinemaScore gave the film a grade of "B+" on a scale of A+ to F.[6] It won the award for Worst Resurrection of a TV Show at the 1996 Stinkers Bad Movie Awards.[7] It also failed at the box office.[8]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Evans, Bradford (June 30, 2011). "The Lost Roles of Albert Brooks". Vulture.
  2. ^ Sgt. Bilko at Rotten Tomatoes
  3. ^ "Sgt. Bilko Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved September 20, 2022.
  4. ^ Sgt. Bilko, Jack & Sarah, A Family Thing, Carried Away, From the Journals of Jean Seberg, 1996, (incomplete). August 14, 2019. Retrieved March 10, 2021 – via siskelebert.org.
  5. ^ "Sgt. Bilko". RogerEbert.com. 1996-03-29. Retrieved 2021-03-10.
  6. ^ "Cinemascore". Archived from the original on 2018-12-20. Retrieved 2020-07-21.
  7. ^ "Past Winners Database". Archived from the original on 2007-01-03. Retrieved 2021-06-07.
  8. ^ Sgt. Bilko at Box Office Mojo
[edit]
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