Prisoner-of-war films have been some of Hollywood’s most enduring pictures.Steve McQueendaringly screaming over fences on his motorbike inThe Great Escape,Alec Guinnesscollapsing on the detonator inThe Bridge on the River Kwai,andJack O’Connelldelivering a message home inUnbrokento say that he is still alive are some of the most powerful and jaw-dropping moments in war pictures, let alone cinema itself. In1953, however, the famed writer-directorBilly Wilderwent in a slightly different direction with his unique POW film.
Stalag 17starsWilliam Holdenand is as thrilling a POW film as there ever has been. The film is adapted from an autobiographical play of the same name byDonald Bevanand Edmund Trzcinski, transforming the stage performance to bring it to the silver screen.Stalag 17was released to much critical acclaimand found success at theAcademy Awards, with Holden walking away with the gong for Best Actor. Wilder was nominated for his direction, andRobert Strausswas nominated for Best Supporting Actor for playing the comedic side character, Animal. Wilder’s film also prompted a lawsuit a few years down the line, when the original playwrights sued the creators ofHogan’s Heroesfor infringement.
What Is ‘Stalag 17’ About?
Stalag 17is set in a stalag, a prisoner-of-war camp, with the stalag in question holding mostly airmen.The film begins with a failed escape attempt by two men, all the other prisoners suspecting foul play and pointing the finger at the wily, enterprising J.J. Sefton (Holden, in acareer-defining performance), who has been placing bets on the mission’s successes. As the prisoners try to figure out who the informant is, Lieutenant Dunbar (Don Taylor) joins them while he waits to be sent to an officer’s camp. Sefton convinces the other prisoners that another prisoner is the snitch andvolunteers to escape with Dunbarbefore he is sent to Berlin.The film reaches its thrilling climax with Cookie (Gil Stratton) whistling a rousing tune as the credits roll.
‘Stalag 17’ Proves They Just Don’t Make ‘Em Like They Used To
Stalag 17is as thrilling as it is funny, and it is exceptionally funny.The film is truly Wilder at his best, much likehis classic, Ace in the Hole,as both balance comedy and humor with drama and tragedy in a most magisterial way.Stalag 17had success at award ceremonies after its releaseand went on to inspire the TV seriesHogan’s Heroes,possibly abit too closely for the taste of some. Now, Wilder’s film stands up as one of the greatest films about the experiences had by prisoners of war. Some modern films exploring this same topic includeAngelina Jolie’sUnbrokenandMark Herman’sThe Boy in the Striped Pajamas,with some more retro examples beingSteven Spielberg’sEmpire of the Sun, as well asJohn Sturges’The Great Escape.
Every Billy Wilder Movie, Ranked
“Well, no director’s perfect!”
Stalag 17does indeed have grim and somber overtones, of course, but is mostly held together bythe fantastic cast showcasing the daily nuances of life in the camps: making alcohol, dreaming of their family and lovers left behind back home, and organizing literal rat races for their enjoyment.Stalag 17is the kind of film that isn’t made anymore,with every member of the cast and crew operating at the heights of their powers.It’s simply a war film unlike any other.
Stalag 17is available to stream on Apple TV+ in the U.S.
Stalag 17 (1953)
In a World War II German POW camp, American sergeants suspect a spy in their midst after repeated escape attempts fail. As tensions rise, one cynical inmate, seizing lucrative opportunities, becomes enmeshed in uncovering the truth. The film deftly balances suspense, humor, and survival within the camp’s confines.
