" All these papers are about a special cargo called Tannenbaum, its a shipment of . . . . "

Rating: 10/10 (15 January 2009)

During World War two, as with any war, treasure is where you find it. Few of the top brass ever shared or made public their ill gotten loot. Nevertheless, some opportunistic Allies and greedy but equally devious Germans realized if one discovered any treasure found in the field, the one thing necessary to keep it; was secrecy. In this film, an ex-Lieutenant, now private Kelly (Clint Eastwood), inadvertently captures a Nazi Colonel and takes him to the American lines. The initial purpose for the prisoner was to answer a few questions about an upcoming German town called Nancy to MSgt. Big Joe (Telly Savalas). However during a personal interrogation, Kelly learns the German was carrying instructions for the transportation and smuggling of Nazi gold. Learning its in a bank 30 miles behind enemy lines, Kelly decides to go for it. Help is assured when opportunists like supply SSgt. Crapgame (Don Rickles) Sgt. Oddball (Donald Sutherland), Moriaty (Gavin MacLeod), Little Joe (Stuart Margolin) and the rest of the platoon all volunteer to go for the gold. The bad parts to the scheme are multiple hurtles. One, the distance to the town is guarded by the German army. Second a Gung Ho Army commander named Maj. Gen. Colt plans to arrive at the same town with the entire division before Kelly and his private force get there. Finally, there are three awesome nearly invincible Tiger Tanks and 30-to-40 special troops guarding the bank where the gold is stored. To the general audience this movie is not only apt to become a military milestone, but due to its superb theme song, by the Mike Curb Congreation, will also become a lasting musical memory. The acting is superior, the wartime action extremely entertaining and the picture as a whole is nothing short of Classic. Highly Recommended to all audiences. *****