" He was in there among those who beat me up, . . Only he beat hardest "

Rating: 9/10 (16 July 2009)

Most Americans who never went to World War Two, received their information through wire services, radio and any outlet which brought the war home. Since films were plentiful, this movie took Prisoner of War life and brought it to the heartland of America. The film is called " Stalag 17 " and is the best representation of said life as envisioned by consummate director Billy Wilder. The story takes place in 1944, during the famous Battle of the Buldge. 600 American soldiers, Sargents all, share the minimal and miserable existence of Prisoners of War. One night, two prisoners try a planned night-time escape, but are quickly captured and murdered. Because they were so easily betrayed, the rest of the men in the barracks suspect a traitor lives among them. But who? Neville Brand, who plays 'Duke' quickly suspects the most cynical of their group, one J.J. Sefton. (William Holden). This is because, Sefton is at ease in the prison and creates suspicion when getting along with the enemy. He also is content to not be seen as a hero. When the two men are killed, his fellow prisoners suspect he will also betray the new arrival, one Lt.James Dunbar (Don Taylor) who is accused of destroying a German ammunition train. Otto Preminger plays Col. Von Scherbach, the German commandant of the camp. Robert Strauss who is Stanislas Kasava and Harvey Lembeck, as Harry Shapiro play the camp clowns and bring much humor into an otherwise dreary existence. Richard Erdman, Peter Graves and Sig Ruman who plays German Sgt. Johann Schulz complete the main cast. Together the entire film is a remarkable tribute to the soldiers who suffered at the hands of the German and thus created a living memory which in turn gave us this war time Classic. Easilly recommended. ****