Review of Stalag 17 (1953) by Raffy John M — 26 Apr 2010
Not as good a film as The Great Escape or Bridge Over the River Kwai nor as good a story as King Rat, the film does exude that Billy Wilder charm. Like Lubitsch, Wilder ordained a certain quality to his films, either though the writing or his direction or even how he had his actors work.
Whichever way he accomplished it, it worked. He remains one of my three favorite directors from the classical period. And of course Bill Holden. As great as Cary Grant was at charm, then Holden was at repelling the audience while drawing it in at the same time.
See the other films I mentioned first, or read King Rat. But if you are a diehard Wilder or Holden fan, then go for this film.
This review of Stalag 17 (1953) was written by Raffy John M on 26 Apr 2010.
Stalag 17 has generally received very positive reviews.
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