Hopeless movie-adaptation of Willam Goldman's novel (by Maurice Richlin and, of all people, Blake Edwards!) concerns an Army Base in the South which gets turned upside-down by a rambunctious soldier and his cronies. Jackie Gleason, as the easy-going sergeant, is too low-keyed for this broad material, while Steve McQueen and Tony Bill are encouraged to play it way over-the-top. Ralph Nelson directed, with a heavy, dispiriting hand; he has no idea what tone to aim for, and no talent for sustaining a mood once he finally achieves one. Supporting players Tuesday Weld, Ed Nelson and Tom Poston are wasted. A misfire. * from ****
Review of Soldier in the Rain
