Gold Heist Behind Enemy Lines: Kelly's Heroes (1970) Review

Added: 2026-05-27

[00:00:07]Hello and welcome to Mindset Movie Reviews. Settle in while we review Kelly's Heroes. Kelly's Heroes, directed by Brian G. Hutton, is a unique blend of comedy, adventure, and war set against the backdrop of World War II. Released in 1970, the film stars Clint Eastwood as Lieutenant Kelly, a demoted officer who stumbles upon a tantalizing secret, a stash of gold bars worth $16 million hidden in a German bank.

[00:00:38]With a runtime of 2 hours and 24 minutes, the movie takes its time to unfold, sometimes to its detriment, but ultimately delivers a mix of action and humor that keeps the audience engaged.

[00:00:50]The plot kicks off when Kelly captures a German colonel, played by David Hurst, and learns about the gold. Determined to claim the treasure, Kelly assembles a ragtag team of soldiers, including the gruff Master Sergeant Big Joe, played by Telly Savalas, the opportunistic supply sergeant Crapgame, played by Don Rickles, and the eccentric tank commander Oddball, played by Donald Sutherland. Together, they embark on a daring mission behind enemy lines, blending elements of a heist film with the chaos of war. Kelly's Heroes is a film that doesn't take itself too seriously, which is both its strength and its weakness. The comedic elements, particularly those involving Sutherland's Oddball, provide a lighthearted counterpoint to the war setting. However, the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone, with the comedic and serious moments sometimes feeling disjointed. This inconsistency can make the film feel uneven, as it oscillates between slapstick humor and intense action sequences.

[00:01:57]The film's pacing is another area where it falters. The opening act drags, taking too long to set the stage for the adventure.

[00:02:06]Once the plot kicks into gear, however, the film finds its rhythm, delivering thrilling sequences like the tense minefield scene and the climactic heist.

[00:02:16]Despite its flaws, Kelly's Heroes manages to entertain, thanks in large part to its charismatic cast. Eastwood plays the straight man, allowing his co-stars to shine.

[00:02:28]Savalas and Rickles bring depth to their roles, while Sutherland's Oddball steals the show with his quirky antics.

[00:02:37]The film's attempt at satire, drawing parallels to the Vietnam War, is subtle and often overshadowed by the comedic elements. The anti-war message, while present, is not as pronounced as in other films of the era, such as MASH or Catch-22.

[00:02:54]This lack of focus on the satirical aspect may leave some viewers wanting more depth from the narrative. In summary, Kelly's Heroes is a film that offers a mix of laughs and thrills set against the backdrop of World War II.

[00:03:09]While it may not be a masterpiece, it provides an enjoyable ride for those willing to overlook its pacing issues and tonal inconsistencies.

[00:03:18]The film's charm lies in its ability to blend genres, creating a unique viewing experience that stands out among war films of its time. Whether you're a fan of Clint Eastwood or simply in the mood for a lighthearted adventure, Kelly's Heroes is worth a watch. So, that's my review of Kelly's Heroes, and I'm giving it three and a half stars out of a maximum of five stars. Thanks for listening. If you liked what you've heard, please like, subscribe, and it will be great to see you all next at Mindset Movie Reviews.