THE PLOT THUS FAR
A prisoner of war working at a zoo gets the chance to escape from the Germans, so he does and he takes with him the elephant that he’s been caring for. Together they head for the Swiss border and freedom.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
As a captured British soldier, Brooks willingly volunteers to work in the Munich Zoo where he becomes the caretaker for an elephant named Lucy. The zoo is bombed and he is charged with taking Lucy to safety. Thwarted by von Haller in his attempt to get her there by rail, Brooks and his escort undertake the journey on foot. Circumstances arise that lead to the decision to attempt an escape over the Alps to Switzerland, and because Brooks has grown so attached to her, leaving Lucy behind is not an option. As you can imagine, trying to escape Nazi Germany with an elephant in tow makes for some interesting situations.
Hannibal Brooks is as implausible as it is inoffensive. The backdrop is beautiful, and Robert Paynter captures the Alpine landscapes in wonderful DeLuxe colour. Oliver Reed gives a superb performance, holding together the potentially ridiculous story with infectious enthusiasm, and proving the old saying that actors should never work with children or animals is not always true. He has an on-screen chemistry with his elephant co-star that is surprisingly heart-warming.
The DVD comes with no special features. But, you get an adequate transfer and Dolby mix for a DVD-R. Seeing as how this is the film’s first jump to Region 1 DVD, it fares pretty well. I did notice some edge enhancement throughout the film, but it’s nothing that major. In the end, I’d recommend it this touching story of animal friendship while trying to avoid Nazis.
RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW!
