Review of The Guns of Navarone (1961) by Stuart K — 17 Jan 2012

Based upon Alistair MacLean's 1957 novel, and directed by J. Lee Thompson (Cape Fear (1962) Taras Bulba (1962) and erm.. Death Wish 4: The Crackdown (1987)), this is a rousing, suspenseful war film inspired by the Dodecanese Campaign during World War II, it has a brilliant ensemble at it's core.

It is 1943, and the Nazi's are trying to bully neutral Turkey into joining the war on their side, and they are planning an attack on 2000 British troops on the island of Leros. A rescue plan by the Royal Navy is near impossible because of 2 big guns on the neighbouring island of Navarone, which can sink a ship.

But, Commadore Jensen (James Robertson Justice) assembles a team of men to get onto Navarone, and take down the guns. They are Major Roy Franklin (Anthony Quayle), Captain Keith Mallory (Gregory Peck), Greek Colonel Andrea Stavrou (Anthony Quinn), Corporal Miller (David Niven), Spyros Pappadimos (James Darren) and "Butcher" Brown (Stanley Baker), but it's not going to be easy, especially as there's a big cliff to contend, and that's only the start of it, the island is full of Nazi's.

This is a great heroic tale of impossible odds and one shot at victory which could change the outcome of the war. True, it is a little overlong, and it would have been better if it was 20 minutes shorter.

But, for the most part, it is a gripping, exciting tale with a great cast.