Review of The Guns of Navarone (1961) by Jennifer H — 14 Feb 2010

Determined to watch this movie after my father swore this was his favorite movie of all time, my opportunity to watch The Guns of Navarone finally came. Boy! Am I glad that I watched it. First, growing up with my dad being my dad I have an interest in World War II movies, especially the classics. Occasionally, I must ask my father what the piece of equipment destroyed was or ask who the commander that every one hated was. Other than those occasions I can follow the film very well and do find myself sinking into the story, the heat of war as it was perceived in the eyes of audience members alive at the time. And aren't they lucky to be the audience in such a high point in cinema history.

Gregory Peck, David Niven, and Anthony Quinn become a worthy trio for such a movie about teamwork. Although it is not a Dirty Dozen nor a Magnificent Seven, it doesn't even have a number in it's name, the Guns of Navarone takes the usual "perilous task that only selected criminals can fix" plot and focuses the time and attention to the journey in the plot. Usually, sitting in tension, sawing off our fingernails, the climax of every movie in this category revolves around whether or not every man will survive or how they get killed. In The Guns of Navarone, three men are killed off rather quickly (not that we care about them) and danger lies miles away from Peck and his friends. Be rest assured, you won't have to bite your nails as this movie comes to an end.

Don't turn away too quickly. Like I said, the journey across Navarone offers whatever excitement you long for, and even some laughs. Anthony Quinn is the comic artist in this movie as he tries to keep a straight face. You might very well turn off the TV confused if this movie was a War Drama or Comedy. This movie should be given any chance you have to offer.And while you are entertained know that you can also be enriched as this tale is based off a real story.