If Carol Reed's The Way Ahead (PFA, 1/88) is the definitive film about British army life as it was and should be, then Private's Progress (director John Boulting's first comedy after serious films like Brighton Rock and Seven Days to Noon) is the definitive comedy about British army life as it could be-if one knew the right dodges and wheezes. While it will be a funnier film to those who have served in the British Army and been cursed as "an absolute shower" for no reason at all, its wonderful ensemble playing from both straight actors and comedians should make it a most enjoyable comedy for any audience. William K. Everson