One of those evergreen classic war movies we all love to watch periodically. “Once upon a time” this movie was re-released in Rex, Bangalore. It was a must visit for all the guys in the neighborhood. Actually it was more the thrill of watching the movies with my friends then. Believe me; it still has me spellbound when I see the DVD version now. It’s an out and out classic war movie influencing other movies including Were Eagles Dare and The Eagle has landed (similar in style)
The sequel though a hit; in comparison is a washout (Force 10 from Navarone - Harrison Ford). As a kid, my first love was always the war movies. The best part of watching some of those old classic movies was it sounds so true and seems to “happen” naturally as you watch it.
Screenplay: There’s one thing for the story. Alistair MacLean has a penchant for writing adrenaline pumped/ action packed adventures. Desmond Bagley, Alistair MacLean, Frederick Forsyth – the whole flock of them. I couldn’t put the novel down till I had completely read it. This movie is based on a story written by Alistair MacLean.
Story: The movie begins with Gregory Peck being called for a “hush hush” mission. His leave has been cancelled because they need a mountaineer for a mission. Once he reaches the place he is briefed about the rest of the team who would be helping him with the mission. He checks the list provided to him. Among them are David Niven and Anthony Quinn. (Classic actors you cannot forget)
And the mission; to destroy a German isle fortress which has huge guns manning the sea. (In fact they seem overblown when compared to our own Bofors!)You would be prompted to ask why they didn’t bomb it as one of the characters in the movies asks. The problem is that the allies have tried bombing runs plenty of times and failed. The guns are almost inaccessible by air as they are hidden in a cave like opening on one side of the mountain top. If any ship as much as snoops within the fortresses range, it’s history! So they need to do it the old fashioned method - By sabotage! And they need to do it at the earliest to rescue the trapped British soldiers on a nearby island. (There are 2000 Allied troops stuck on a nearby island waiting to be either rescued or killed by the advancing Germans)
They are flown to the nearest location to the enemy... From here, they take a boat. One interesting incident in the movie is how they catch a spy listening to their plans from outside the room. Watch it. And when the officer states that he is one of the known workers, they threaten to kill the officer if he does not arrest him for a certain period.
The boat scenes as they journey across to the isle is well captured. The Perfect Storm where George Clooney converses with his mates in the cabin, copies from this movie. The boat crashes among the rocks in a storm and they move the equipment to the island. The mountain climbing scenes actually had me breathless especially when Greg slips off a ledge. They climb up the mountain to meet up with the partisans they are supposed to rendezvous with. But you must watch it to understand the depiction of true adventure.
There is a slight twist from the novel. If you have read the novel, you’ll notice that they are supposed to meet up with two males. But in the movie you see two females. (Talk about a romantic angle even in a war movie just for Peck’s peck! ;) Actually he is well known as a romantic hero, not as an action hero.)
Unfortunately for them, they have a spy amidst them. They are caught by the Germans by a kid who walks up with a rose. The director has crafted the individual characters so well and shows that there would be good and bad people in every group.Even the Germans come across as heroes in some of the scenes and portrayed as just doing their job. If not for the war, they might as well be sipping Bacardi together!!!
Anyways they manage to escape and kill the traitor. ( A highlight - Not revealed for those who are yet to watch)
On the allotted day, they go into the gun house. Here’s where David Niven comes in. He booby traps the guns in multiple ways so that even if the Germans find one, the other should blow the guns away. I think he sets around 14 booby traps and the Germans find only 13 in their hurry.. Pretty innovative fuses by the bomber. (Just like Munich - You can die hundreds of ways every day)
In the end the last booby-trap (the lift) sets fire and blows the place to kingdom come. Actually I ended up telling you the entire story. But it is famous for the action, the drama and the thrilling adventure. As the ships hoot their horns, and the soldiers start hurrahing, you want to be part of the crowd in their hurrahs! I guess it’s etched in my mind forever.
The funny part - At least one scene from apna bollywood ka funda. The scene where one of the characters in the movie gets slapped for not writing letters to his sister. It appears that he ran away a long time back and is actually her brother. Talk about Bollywood coincidences!
I can’t elaborate too much on specific scenes, but‘ll say this much.
Gregory Peck excels in this movie – Usually known for mushy movies, he showed that he could carry off an action movie with élan. This was my first movie of Gregory Peck and I always associated him with action though. (Talk about first sightings!) But somehow I feel he is more suited for actioneers. The lone American star plays the mountaineer in the movie
David Niven – He plays his usual self and still comes out with an excellent performance even with multiple stars. You may find him talkative (that’s what he is famous for - a typical Wodehouse character), but the scenes in which he is present excel. He plays the bomb expert in the movie. (Other movies include the original Pink Panther, the original Casino Royale and umpteen others)
Anthony Quinn – He’s famous for movies such as Zorba, Omar Sharif and The Guns of Navarone. And of course his performance in the movie is well worth watching. He plays an assassin in the movie. A national hero in Greece due to Zorba and the Guns of Navarone.
The movie itself is well picturized with never a dull moment. The attention to detail has been specifically merited by umpteen awards. In the scenes without dialogues, you actually would be biting your nails as the background or action sequences keep you on tenterhooks. The sound effects make a noticeable impact in the action scenes. A Must watch for all.
Cast: Gregory Peck, David Niven Anthony Quinn, Stanley Baker, Anthony Quayle, James Darren, Irene, Gia Scala
Runtime 158 min/Action/Adventure Directed - J. Lee Thompson
Trivia – It won 4 oscars and had 9 nominations.
Anthony Quayle spent part of WWII in Albania organizing guerilla forces.
David Niven wears a Light Infantry cap badge on his beret. This was the regiment he was commissioned into in WW2. (cast, trivia source - Imdb.com)