Not a good film, do not think this is another Great Escape - it's not!

Rating: 4/10 (23 December 2004)

Lets just say if I read my review of Stalag 17 before I went out and rented the film, I would have saved myself $2.25. This movie is more a ridiculous comedy then a serious war movie. As another reviewer so eloquently said, "The characters are of sitcom depth," They are fake, except for Holden's performance - he is the only saving grace in this film. The two main clowns of the film Animal and Manfredi give off a sense of comedy that does not match the mood of the direction, it seems out of place and takes up way to much time in the film. I understand that films do have successful comedic relief, even the classic The Great Escape" has it but in Stalag 17 there is way to much of it and it lends to make the film weak. My review is 4/10 and I think you'd agree. After hearing all the praises of this film I was expecting so much and in return got so little. Beware this is no Great Escape, it is a dated, boring, unrealistic depiction of a silly story trying to make itself seem legitimate in the horrors of WW2 prison camps.