Based on Jack Higgins bestselling World War 2 novel this film (released in 1976) follows the story of a secret mission by a small group of German Paratroopers whose mission was to drop into England and kidnapp Winston Churchill.
The story is set in lae November 1943 as the Nazi's realise the tide of the war has turned. Hitler is growing more and more frustrated and wants results immediately. Out of a desperate suggestion the idea is born to go in and kidnapp Churchill while he is in the English countryside for a weekend, thus showing the German might and putting them in a better position for negotiation. The idea is labelled as fantasy by the high ranking Germans, all except Colonel Maximillian Radl (Robert Duvall) who puts togther a workable plan which Himmler (Donald Pleasance) approves of.
To safely complete this mission he needs the help of Colonel Kurt Steiner (Michael Caine) a decorated officer, whose principals mean he is currently awaiting a court martial for intervening in the deportation of Jewish citizens. However Steiner is a brilliant paratrooper and also an inspiration to his men so he is put in charge of the mission. Also involved are an IRA member (Donald Sutherland) who helps any cause against the English, and a elderly female spy (Jean Marsh) who has her own score to settle with the English and has provided much of the intelligence for the mission.
The mis-matched team must then pull together to try and make the mission work, not only snatching Churchill but also retreating safely with him and keeping away from US Troops posted in the area under the command of Colonel Pitts (Larry Hagman).
The story itself is plausible enough as far as spy films go, the Germans using the cover of being Polish soldiers on exerecises, and Michael Caine's character is given a good reason for his plumby english accent which seems strangly out of place on a German paratrooper. The role of Colonal Steiner is a strange one as he is a man with definate nobility and principals which you don't often see in the potrayal of Nazi's. His men are also worthy soldiers who are proud to be fighting for a cause and taking part in a true military mission and by making them more human the script allows you to have sypathy with them. Donald Sutherland's character comes across as a bit mercenary but this was a delibarate effect and the makes him more believable as the whiley and elusive IRA triggerman. Sadly Sutherlands accent isn't as believable and neither is the rushed romance angle with Jenny Agutter's teen farm girl.
Watching the DVD you will see many familiar faces and they all seem to be enjoying themselves with the work (Michael Caine mentioned in his autobiography how much fun this was to make). My favourite characters where the heavily scarred Robert Duvall and the 'blood n' guts' American Colonal Larry Hagman. Both were slightly stereotypical but also both brought alot to the screen.
I think were the film falls down slightly is in the direction. Apparently the director (John Sturges) headed back to California and never returned for any of the editing or post production meaning the film is missing that 'polished look'.
The DVD contains not only the original release, but also the original trailer, director interview, interviews with both Michael Caine and Donald Sutherland. Also, most importantly 17 minutes of deleted scenes which, while not being ground breaking, do add more depth to the film itself.
I would recommend this DVD to anyone who likes an intelligent war film. The cast are excellent and represent some of the finest talent of this particular generation all on form togther, also the plot truely original and remains faithful for the most part fo the novel. Due to it's age you are likely to find this on offer in many stores and it can be purchased at Amazon for £6.99
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
I have seen this film many times and its most enjoyable to watch, its a kind of film that you can watch over and over a period of time. Plus the acors are good in their roles.
avril
Jeser 26.04.2004 12:58
Hello peter, a great concise review mate. Take care. Jonathan.
This 1976 adventure story set in World War II concerns a Nazi plot to kidnap Churchill ... more
from his retreat--or murder him if need be.The Eagle Has Landedhas a large, great cast and a director, John Sturges, who's been down this road of ensemble action bef...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
This 1976 adventure story set in World War II concerns a Nazi plot to kidnap Churchill ... more
from his retreat--or murder him if need be.The Eagle Has Landedhas a large, great cast and a director, John Sturges, who's been down this road of ensemble action bef...
Postage & Packaging: free Super Saver Delivery Availability: Usually dispatched within 1 to 2 days...
![The Eagle Has Landed [DVD] [1977]](http://picnicb.ciao.com/uk/70089443.jpg "The Eagle Has Landed [DVD] [1977]")
Apr 25th, 2004
exceptional by (4%):
very helpful by (91%):
helpful by (4%):
