Good, Not so Bad, and just a tad Ugly

Rating: 8/10 (25 May 2013)

First off, has John Sturges ever directed a true "stinker?" This may not be among his very best but at times it shines although as many have already commented, despite not portraying anything much like the real event. This flick benefits from good writing and quality performances from all: The 1st-team (Garner, McQueen, Attenborogh), 2nd team (Bronson, Pleasence, Coburn, etc.) and an array of 3-stringers. The score - and especially the main theme, are superb; production values are high, and action vs dialogue, side plots, etc. are all well balanced and/or above par. For 1963 this is more like a big-budget adventure pix of the 40s: It depends upon story and not pyrotechnics. Well worth a view for the uninitiated, for most it is probably a worthwhile DVD investment especially now given its budget-price.