An overrated comedy

Rating: 5/10 (20 November 2000)

I saw this movie based upon the rating and user comments in this forum (usually they're dead on), but this movie is stupid. A very predictable drama with way too much slapstick comedy that provides a far too euphemistic view of what it must have been like in a German POW camp during WWII. It is basically Hogan's Heroes, a stupid TV comedy based on this movie (I would guess, given their incredible similarities). If you like old comedies with a touch of easy drama, see this movie; if you're looking for a more substantive drama, see one of Billy Wilder's other more memorable movies like "Sunset Blvd" or "Sabrina". William Holden is a wonderful actor, and he seems so out of place amongst this motley crew of comedians working through a lame plot. A big disappointment.