A Trend-setting Movie

Rating: 7/10 (25 February 2010)

In Hollywood and other film industries, there have been many movies on Prisoners of War (POW'S) of the Second World War. But the first account of their life and 'escapades documented by Billy Wilder in this movie (Atleast, the movie narrator says so). Stalag means prison in German and this movie deals with the POW's of Stalag 17. This particular prison has surprisingly all sergeants as inmates who are continuously trying to flee prison but in vain. After the death of two of their companions in a bid to escape, they suspect a spy amidst them. Their main suspect is a flamboyant Sgt. J.J. Sefton (Holden) who has a very good rapport with the Germans and exchanges many goodies for other favors. Many events occur consequently that strengthen their suspicion on Sefton. To prove his innocence, Sefton decides to find the real culprit. Is he successful in his conquest and who is the 'real' spy is the basis of the story. Wilder in his inimitable style has not kept this movie an all serious affair. This is actually a very light-hearted thriller drama which makes you laugh all along. I personally feel this movie inspired some of the scenes in the greatest POW movie ever 'The Great Escape'.
This movie has got a gang of characters. But some who stand apart with their performances are obviously William Holden as the complicated Sefton, Robert Strauss as the somewhat weird, silly but lovable Stanislas Kasava and Robinson Stone as the mute music lover Joey.It certainly has got it's moments, but I felt there was something missing somewhere.
Rating : 7/10