Situation Hopeless but Not Serious (1965)

Situation Hopeless but Not Serious should be a very oddball little film -- that it's not is its biggest problem, and it's the reason why it is only intermittently entertaining. The basic premise requires an unconventional, highly imaginative approach in all areas, but especially in the direction and writing. What Situation gets, instead, is a fumbling screenplay that only hints at the comedic possibilities inherent in the situation and direction that is, at best, pedestrian -- and almost at all times conventional and devoid of real inspiration. Director Gottfried Reinhardt fails to take advantage of the possibilities offered for flights of fancy, resulting in a heavy-handed film that drags its feet when it needs to soar. Reinhardt does succeed in giving it a consistency of tone, but it's the wrong tone and the last thing this film needs. Fortunately, Situation is blessed with a strong cast. If Robert Redford is slightly unseasoned at this point in his career, he's still quite watchable and provides some excellent moments, and Mike Connors is also quite dependable. Alec Guinness, of course, turns in a carefully-developed, finely wrought performance; if it doesn't rank among his finest, it's still quite entertaining. Situation is not hopeless, but it is rather too serious -- and it's a pity that the opportunity for a unique, fascinating film was missed. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide