Review of Ice Cold in Alex (1958) by Martin M — 09 Oct 2010

By far one of my favourite World War Two films, and thankyou Elwy Yost for introducing it to me on your program, "Saturday Night At The Movies.".

A couple of British soldiers, portrayed by Harry Andrews and John Mills, must attempt to take two young nurses across the desert in an ambulance, in the wake of the rapidly advancing German Afrika Corps. Along the way they pick up another man, a South African soldier, portrayed by Anthony Quayle, who might not be who he appears to be. Along the way they encounter a mine field, German forces, and other obstacles, including the challenge of crossing the desert itself. In the end their motivation simply boils down to enjoying an ice cold beer in a small bar in Alexandria, or "Alex," at the end of their arduous journey, hence the title of the film.

This movie is beautifully filmed and acted, and relies more on the story and the characters than it does on action, although there is some of that too. I think that is the thing that I enjoy most about it, that it just tells a great story with a fine ensemble cast. At the top of the list in my books, for sure.