Me and the Colonel Ending Explained: Nazis are about to overrun France, and a Jewish man named Jacobowsky is stranded in Paris. Directed by Peter Glenville, this 1958 comedy film stars Danny Kaye (S.L. Jacobowsky), alongside Curd Jürgens as Colonel Prokoszny, Nicole Maurey as Suzanne Roualet, Françoise Rosay as Madame Bouffier. With a 6.5/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of Me and the Colonel?

Nazis are about to overrun France, and a Jewish man named Jacobowsky is stranded in Paris. He hitches a ride with reluctant Polish serviceman Colonel Prokoszny, who harbors a bias against Jews. They are soon joined by Prokoszny's bride-to-be, Suzanne, who takes an immediate liking to the engaging Jacobowsky. This furthers the hostility between Jacobowsky and Prokoszny, but they must put their differences aside to evade the Nazis trailing them.

Peter Glenville's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Danny Kaye (S.L. Jacobowsky)'s journey. He hitches a ride with reluctant Polish serviceman Colonel Prokoszny, who harbors a bias against Jews.

How Does Danny Kaye (S.L. Jacobowsky)'s Story End?

  • Danny Kaye: Danny Kaye's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • Curd Jürgens (Colonel Prokoszny): Curd Jürgens's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Nicole Maurey (Suzanne Roualet): Nicole Maurey's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

Is Me and the Colonel Based on a True Story?

Yes — Me and the Colonel draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Peter Glenville has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.

What Does the Ending of Me and the Colonel Mean?

Me and the Colonel's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Danny Kaye may feel rushed. Peter Glenville's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.