Expert: Mel - 7/20/2007

Question
My Mother watched a movie she thinks was called Private Popovs War a comedy set during WW2 possible made between 1945 and 1955. I cant find a trace of it, would love to buy it for her. Apparently there was a scene when he has taken up residence in a plane and planted a veggie garden.

Answer
Hello Fiona,

I don't recall a film by that title, or anything similar, and my searches on the Internet have proved fruitless.

However, there was a film made in 1949, starring Peter Ustinov, called "Private Angelo" that just might be the one your Mother is thinking of.

Set during WW2, Ustinov played a timid Italian army private who does his best to avoid getting shot at. Trouble is, the more he tries to run away from danger, the more dangerous his life becomes. Private Angelo's cowardice provides an endless source of embarrassment for his nobleman father, and affords his fiancee Lucrezia an excuse to be unfaithful.

Now, if that is the film you're looking for, it throws up another problem. It does not appear to be available for purchase in VHS or DVD form at the moment. There is not even an illegal copy for sale on ebay at the present time.


Hope that's of some help to you. Cheers.......Mel.