Sgt Bilko (1996)

"Martin remains a first-rate farceur...  Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide
"Martin is alive with hustler energy.  Hal Hinson, Washington Post

Editor's Note Steve Martin steps into Phil Silvers' shoes as the smooth-talking Sgt. Bilko who has mastered the Army's catch-22's to his own benefit, turning bureaucratic obstacles into golden opportunities. That is, until his nemesis Major Thorn arrives to scrutinize Bilko's base, threatening to upset the delicate balance of casinos, under-the-table businesses and other illicit operations Bilko has set in place.

	Chris Rock
	Dan Aykroyd
	Daryl Mitchell
	Glenne Headly
	Max Casella
	Phil Hartman
	Steve Martin
	Nat Hiken - Based On TV Series Created By
	Jonathan Lynn - Director
	Peter Sova - Director of Photography
	Alan Silvestri - Musical Score
	Brian Grazer - Producer
	Andy Breckman - Screenplay

This film adaptation of the classic 1950's television series follows the wacky adventures of Sgt. Ernest Bilko, a fast-talking, likable con man, who just happens to run secret, makeshift casinos on the base.| Bilko must deal with two problems: one is Wally, the prudish, newest member of his squad -- who does not participate in Bilko's wild schemes, and basically ignores the craziness around him. But how long can Wally turn a blind eye to his surroundings?| The sergeant's other headache is his sworn enemy Maj. Thorn. The major is seeking revenge against Bilko for nearly ruining his career some time ago. Thorn not only wishes to expose the officer's gambling enterprises, he wants to steal his long-suffering girlfriend.

"We still haven't gotten over being left out of Desert Storm." ---- Master Sgt. Ernest G. Bilko (STEVE MARTIN)

"Oh, goody, I get to play cards!" ---- Bilko (STEVE MARTIN), trying to play dumb before a poker game.

"It's just ... so beautiful!" ---- Bilko (STEVE MARTIN), when he sees Las Vegas.

"Sir, all I ever wanted was an honest week's pay for an honest day's work." ---- Bilko (STEVE MARTIN)

USA Today
"...It's fun to see Steve Martin shake off the remains of his more domesticated comedies and get wild and crazy again..." 03/29/1996 p.4D

Variety
"...[Lynn] has a nice comic touch....It's fun to see Martin cut loose..." 04/01/1996

Chicago Sun-Times
"...Right from the opening scenes of SGT. BILKO, Steve Martin convinces us of the rightness of the casting....One of the pleasures of the movie is all the little jokes hidden in the corners..." 03/29/1996 p.33

USA Today 6 of 10
...it's fun to see Steve Martin shake off the remains of his more domesticated comedies and get wild and crazy again.

Boxoffice Magazine 5 of 10
...Sgt. Bilko isn't a fusillade of funniness, but it peppers its 93-minute running time with round after round of chuckles thanks to a script by Andy Breckman... - Kim Williamson