About this release
In this slapstick Civil War comedy, a tough commanding officer and his second-in-command are assigned to lead a misanthropic, bumbling band of Yankee soldiers. At one point they take on enemy troupes with only rocks to defend themselves. More trouble ensues when a tart and her madam get involved with the men who do not realize that they are southern spies.
Where to buy
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner Network member, FilmShelves earns from qualifying purchases. These links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Disc 1
DVD
Advance to the Rear (1964)
97 min
WesternComedyWar
As punishment for their incompetence in battle, disgraced Union soldier Capt. Jared Heath and his apathetic commanding officer, Col. Claude Brackenbury, are reassigned away from the front lines. The hapless Heath and Brackenbury must now lead a ragtag group on a classified mission to protect a transport for the U.S. Treasury. Complicating matters is Martha Lou Williams, a Confederate agent posing as a lady of the evening.
Credits
Director
George Marshall
Writer
Samuel A. Peeples
William Bowers
Cast
Glenn Fordas Capt. Jared Heath
Stella Stevensas Martha Lou Williams
Melvyn Douglasas Col. Claude Brackenbury
Jim Backusas Gen. Willoughby
Joan Blondellas Easy Jenny
Andrew Prineas Pvt. Owen Selous
Jesse Pearsonas Cpl. Silas Geary
Alan Hale Jr.as Sgt. Beauregard Davis
James Griffithas Hugo Zattig
Whit Bissellas Capt. Queeg
Cinematographer
Milton Krasner
Producer
Ted Richmond
Release Details
- Packaging
- Keep Case
Images
Catalogue Info
- Added by
- Matthew Simpson
- Date added
- June 29, 2026