Saw it first time round..........

Rating: 10/10 (18 June 2007)

I saw this when it was first released in the UK (yes, I'm that old!) and it is still one of my favourite WWII films. From the children singingat the beginning to the wry humour throughout, this film brought a humanity to the story that I found refreshing given the subject matter. Coburn was excellent and the casting of British stalwarts James Mason and David Warner added to the enjoyment. If you liked this film then you might be interested in "Misfit Brigade" (aka Wheels of Terror) based on a story by Sven Hassle, a Danish guy who was in a German Penal Battalion onthe Russian Front. Based on real characters the filmis a real insight into the horrors of that campaign. OK, it's not quite as good as COI, but well worth viewing.