Review of The Guns of Navarone (1961) by James M — 08 Oct 2010

Definitely one of the "must see" war movies of the 60's, this one is about a group of commandos , led by Gregory Peck and Anthony Quayle, assigned to destroy two huge German guns installed on a hilltop fortress in Greece, to allow aid and supplies to come to a large group of soldiers trapped on one of the Greek islands. It's a race against time, to save these men before the Germans can attack and kill them.

A real edge-of-your-seat film, and definitely a "manly man" movie, this one sticks to the story and the action with very little in the way of any romantic diversions. Top-notch acting from the fine ensemble cast, which also includes Anthony Quinn, James Darren and David Niven, among others.

The only flaw in the plot is the fact that it is glaringly obvious that their group has a traitor early on in the film, a fact which they seem to ignore until much later on, when it is almost too late. Still, it's a fine story and it takes a number of unexpected turns, while keeping the suspense revved up all the way through.