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1941

Play trailer Poster for 1941 PG 1979 1h 58m Comedy Action Adventure Play Trailer Watchlist
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37% Tomatometer 27 Reviews 48% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
After Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, residents of California descend into a wild panic, afraid that they might be the next target. Among them are Wild Bill Kelso (John Belushi), a crazed National Guard pilot; Sgt. Frank Tree (Dan Aykroyd), a patriotic, straight-laced tank crew commander; Ward Douglas (Ned Beatty), a civilian willing to help with the American war effort at any cost; and Maj. Gen. Joseph W. Stilwell (Robert Stack), who tries his hardest to maintain sanity amid the chaos.
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1941

1941

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Critics Consensus

Steven Spielberg's attempt at screwball comedy collapses under a glut of ideas, confusing an unwieldy scope for a commensurate amount of guffaws.

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Critics Reviews

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Tom Milne Sight & Sound Jan 16, 2020
1941 is perhaps one of those films that should be seen twice, so that disappointed expectations over the wayward behaviour of the slapstick no longer get in the way of pleasure over what goes on alongside it. Go to Full Review Vincent Canby New York Times May 9, 2005
1.5/5
It may possibly be that Mr. Spielberg has chosen gigantic size and unlimited quantity as his comedy method in the awareness that he has no gift whatsoever for small-scale comic conceits. Go to Full Review Ian Freer Empire Magazine Jan 1, 2000
3/5
Unworkable farce, it maybe, but it is also blessed with the buzz of brilliance. Go to Full Review Jana Monji Age of the Geek May 1, 2024
1/5
This film erases both the worries and the activism of Asian Americans at an important time in Los Angeles history and totally ignores the existence of anti-Asian sentiments that was clearly reflected in legislation. Go to Full Review John Ferguson Radio Times Apr 4, 2024
3/5
Widely regarded as the one Steven Spielberg disaster, this sprawling comedy never deserved all the flak that was thrown at it. Go to Full Review Rene Jordan El Nuevo Herald (Miami) Jan 16, 2024
1941 is a cold cadaver that Spielberg insults with malign complacency. [Full review in Soanish] Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Tom B Dec 5, 2024 Spielberg farce. Goofy but has some memorable scenes. See more Alejandro E @Alex970 Jul 31, 2026 This war comedy, set in a hypothetical 1941, is a case in point that even the best writers have their off days. From Spielberg’s early period, it isn’t one of his finest achievements, but rather one of those films you only watch out of curiosity and forget about the very next day. And do pay close attention to the opening minutes. See more Niccolo N @Niccolo Jun 26, 2026 Screwball comedy is not Spielberg's forte but he handles it nicely and watching this movie you'll ask yourself how can he be so good and versatile. Belushi and Ackroyd are good as usual. See more Adam K @SunsetLonerCinema May 31, 2026 The director's cut is certainly an improvement and while it may not be among Spielberg's best work, its not as bad as its been put out to be, and is certainly not among a select few films of his that could be labeled his worst work. See more Jason H @RT50328122 Apr 16, 2026 An interesting failure. I prefer the theatrical cut; the Director's Cut is longer, but not better. Either way, the movie is just not funny. See more Patrick B @RT68277374 Dec 6, 2025 I really wanted to love this film but ended up really disappointed. What a waste of a major league cast. Dan Ackroyd was a highlight but couldn’t save his film. 1941 is a complete mess that is beautifully fully shot with really good special effects. It is like a live action Bugs Bunny cartoon without the charm or intelligence. The humour is so forced it is humourless. See more Read all reviews
1941

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Cast & Crew

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Steven Spielberg

Director

John Belushi

Captain Wild Bill Kelso

Dan Aykroyd

Sgt. Frank Tree

Lorraine Gary

Joan Douglas

Ned Beatty

Ward Douglas

Treat Williams

Corporal Chuck "Stretch" Sitarski

Movie Clips

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1941

Movieclips: John Williams: 11 Incredible Themes Movieclips: John Williams: 11 Incredible Themes 27:14 Now Playing 1941: Official Clip - Wood, Hollis P. 1941: Official Clip - Wood, Hollis P. 4:02 Now Playing 1941: Official Clip - Patriotic Duty 1941: Official Clip - Patriotic Duty 1:55 Now Playing 1941: Official Clip - Lost 1941: Official Clip - Lost 1:32 Now Playing 1941: Official Clip - Japanese Christmas Trees 1941: Official Clip - Japanese Christmas Trees 2:32 Now Playing 1941: Official Clip - Don't You Dare Fire That Gun 1941: Official Clip - Don't You Dare Fire That Gun 1:36 Now Playing 1941: Official Clip - The Ferris Wheel Rolls 1941: Official Clip - The Ferris Wheel Rolls 2:38 Now Playing 1941: Official Clip - Something in the Water 1941: Official Clip - Something in the Water 1:30 Now Playing 1941: Official Clip - Mass Hysteria 1941: Official Clip - Mass Hysteria 1:29 Now Playing 1941: Official Clip - Dance Hall Brawl 1941: Official Clip - Dance Hall Brawl 1:29 Now Playing View more videos

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1941

1941 (1979) 1941 (1979) A scene from the film 1941. A scene from the film 1941. A scene from the film 1941. A scene from the film 1941. A scene from the film 1941. A scene from the film 1941. A scene from the film 1941. A scene from the film 1941. View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis After Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, residents of California descend into a wild panic, afraid that they might be the next target. Among them are Wild Bill Kelso (John Belushi), a crazed National Guard pilot; Sgt. Frank Tree (Dan Aykroyd), a patriotic, straight-laced tank crew commander; Ward Douglas (Ned Beatty), a civilian willing to help with the American war effort at any cost; and Maj. Gen. Joseph W. Stilwell (Robert Stack), who tries his hardest to maintain sanity amid the chaos.
Director
Steven Spielberg
Producer
Buzz Feitshans
Screenwriter
Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale, John Milius, Robert Zemeckis, Bob Gale
Distributor
Universal Pictures, Columbia Pictures
Production Co
A-Team, Columbia Pictures Corporation, Universal Pictures
Rating
PG
Genre
Comedy, Action, Adventure
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 14, 1979, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 1, 2010
Runtime
1h 58m
Sound Mix
Dolby Stereo, Stereo
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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