In this review, the plot will not be given away, you may read every word without fear of it being spoilt. (I may regret this)
Escape to Athena, a very good war film, actually released on the 6th of June (D day) but in 1974. The cast consists of :-
Anthony Valentine Claudia Cardinale David Niven Elliott Gould Roger Moore Stefanie Powers Telly Savalas
There are of course many other actors in this film, plus the obligatory extras without whom productions like this would not be possible.
The film carries a PG rating, which was probably right for the sevebties, but of course times move on, and I tend to think there is nothing in this movie, that would concern a parent.
All the filming was carried out in Greece, (island of Rhodes actually) which is the actual location the film is supposed to be in, unlike the "spaghetti western" type films The Director:was George Pan Cosmatos, not that I have heard of him, and the special edition is in wide screen format. The Producer is Lew Grade (I have heard of him)
As stated, this is a war film, so may not be to everyones taste, it is set in World Was 2 on a Greek island. Allied prisoners of war have been incarcerated in this pretty idylic setting, where the regime is very relaxed, and the Commandant (I think that is his rank) is none other than Roger Moore!
Nearby, the Nazis have stashed a warehouse full of priceless antiques and treasure, in an old Monastery, which is also a military target, I will not explain what because I do not intend giving away the plot.
Some of the inmates, have ideas, grand ones at that, and this leads to the action scenes in the film, some of which are very good indeed. This DVD is available for less than a tenner on the likes of Amazin, and you will probably find it a lot cheaper elsewhere.
I will make a point of mentioning Anthony Valentine, because of his wonderful portrayal of a German officer, he just drops into this role like it was made for him. Roger Moore plays a similar role, but somehow he just does not look plausable, perhaps I still see him as Simon Templar, aka the Saint. Stephanie Powers plays her part very well, and this is in spite of the fact that her character is a little out of place, with no credibility.
All in all, I must say the film was very good at the time, and for some, it may be enjoyed if seeing it for the first time. I must admit though, it is very dated, and some of the plotlines are just a bit too difficult to believe.
I do recommend it, but then I also recommend the likes of "Kelly's Heroes" and "Von Ryan's express" so if you hate this sort of film, you obviously won't want to see this one.
This was my first review of a DVD, and I did fine it difficult not to give away the story or the ending, please feel free to offer any advice or critique you may have. Thank you. .
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Production Year: 1970 - War - Director: Brian G. Hutton - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring: Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, Carroll O'Connor, Donald Sutherland, Don Rickles, Gavin MacLeod
Re-rated based on Ciao's insistence that such reviews are no longer considered "Off Topic"
Soho_Black 22.01.2008 14:45
I see you've posted this as a DVD review, but you've not mentioned the DVD features. Are there any extras? If so, what are they and are they any good? If you add to this, or if you change it to be posted as a "Film Only" review, which can be done by accessing "edit review" above the review and changing the drop down menu under the "Which format are you reviewing?" question at the bottom, please let me know and I'll re-rate.
Craigshadow12 25.07.2007 04:09
Very well writen! i take my hat off to you:) Great review! Craig
Hitler's plan to loot a treasure-laden island off Greece is underway. A prison camp is ... more
built where inmates dig up priceless art under the eye of the Austrian commandant Major Otto Hecht (Roger Moore).Zeno (Telly Savalas), the island's resistance leader...
A battle of action and wits in a World War II prison camp where the Fuhrer's scheme for ... more
looting a treasure-laden island off Greece is under way. Prisoners of war labour under the eye of the camp's Austrian Commandment Major Otto Hecht as they dig up ...
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![Escape To Athena [DVD] [1974]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/78516487.jpg "Escape To Athena [DVD] [1974]")
![Escape To Athena [Special Edition]](http://picnica.ciao.com/uk/103217044.jpg "Escape To Athena [Special Edition]")
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