After three viewings, I saw the light

Rating: Null/10 (27 June 2004)

The first time I saw Stalag 17, I mainly saw it as a comedy with serious undertones. I laughed myself silly at the scene where all the POWs do a nasty take-off on Hitler (that scene is still my favorite) and got a great deal of amusement from Animal's obsession with Betty Grable. When I watched the movie again after a year or so, I felt almost disappointed since I noticed how the humor wears out midway through and gritty realism gets the upper hand. The plot about finding the right stoolie and escaping the harsh conditions of the camp had me strongly rooting for the POWs, but after the film I felt a little depressed.
I just saw Stalag 17 a third time, and only now did I realize how well balanced the drama and humor were. We get the comedy relief first, and when it's time to concentrate on the actual storyline, the humor is shoved away (except for one last funny bit with Animal and Shapiro) and it's time to really start rooting for the prisoners.
I've seen nearly all movies Wilder directed, and, along with such later films as Some Like It Hot, One Two Three and Irma La Douce, Stalag 17 ranks among my favorites (I still need another viewing of Sunset Boulevard). And Holden - yes, he deserved that Oscar!