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Stalag 17 (1953) 8.1
When two escaping American World War II prisoners are killed, the German POW camp barracks black marketeer, J.J. Sefton, is suspected of being an informer. Director:Billy WilderWriters:Billy Wilder (written for the screen by), Edwin Blum (written for the screen by), 2 more credits » |
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Title: Stalag 17 (1953)
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| William Holden | ... | ||
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Don Taylor | ... | |
| Otto Preminger | ... | ||
| Robert Strauss | ... |
Sgt. Stanislaus 'Animal' Kuzawa
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| Harvey Lembeck | ... |
Sgt. Harry Shapiro
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| Richard Erdman | ... | ||
| Peter Graves | ... |
Sgt. Frank Price
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| Neville Brand | ... |
Duke
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Sig Ruman | ... | |
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Michael Moore | ... |
Sgt. Manfredi
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Peter Baldwin | ... |
Sgt. Johnson
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Robinson Stone | ... |
Joey
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Robert Shawley | ... |
Sgt. 'Blondie' Peterson
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William Pierson | ... | |
| Gil Stratton | ... |
Sgt. Clarence Harvey 'Cookie' Cook
(as Gil Stratton Jr.)
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Edit
Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
Storyline
It's a dreary Christmas 1944 for the American POWs in Stalag 17. For the men in Barracks 4, all sergeants, have to deal with a grave problem - there seems to be a security leak. The Germans always seem to be forewarned about escapes and in the most recent attempt the two men, Manfredi and Johnson, walked straight into a trap and were killed. For some in Barracks 4, especially the loud-mouthed Duke, the leaker is obvious: J.J. Sefton, a wheeler-dealer who doesn't hesitate to trade with the guards and who has acquired goods and privileges that no other prisoner seems to have. Sefton denies giving the Germans any information and makes it quite clear that he has no intention of ever trying to escape. He plans to ride out the war in what little comfort he can arrange, but it doesn't extend to spying for the Germans. As tensions mount and a mob mentality takes root, it becomes obvious that Sefton will have to find the real snitch if he is to have any peace and avoid the beatings Duke and ... Written by garykmcd
Taglines:
Hilarious, heart-tugging! You'll laugh...you'll cry...you'll cheer William Holden in his great Academy Award role! (from reissue print ad)Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
10 August 1953 (Brazil) See more »Also Known As:
Infierno en la tierra See more »Filming Locations:
John Show Ranch, Woodland Hills, Los Angeles, California, USABox Office
Budget:
$1,661,530 (estimated)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Recording)Color:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1
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Animal: Shulz, why don't we just plug up the tunnel with the Commandant in one end, and you in the other?
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(1782) (uncredited)
Music by John Francis Wade
English lyrics "Come, All Ye Faithful" by Frederick Oakeley (1852)
Sung a cappella in English by the prisoners of war
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Otto Preminger always claimed that, as a director, he would only shout at actors if they were late or if they did not know their lines. Employed solely as an actor in this film, he told Billy Wilder at the start of filming that if he ever forgot his lines, he would present Wilder with a jar of caviar. Wilder later told interviewers that he soon had dozens of such jars. See more »Goofs
The partial moving shadow of the dolly camera is visible for 1-2 seconds in the lower left hand corner as the dolly camera shoots it's close up of the lieutenant in the water tower in the daylight, before the scene cuts to night time. See more »Quotes
Sgt. Schulz: We will grab some shovels and we will undig that tunnel which you digged.Animal: Shulz, why don't we just plug up the tunnel with the Commandant in one end, and you in the other?
See more »
Soundtracks
Adeste Fideles(1782) (uncredited)
Music by John Francis Wade
English lyrics "Come, All Ye Faithful" by Frederick Oakeley (1852)
Sung a cappella in English by the prisoners of war
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In defense of this great film "Stalag 17", I would like to say a few things. First of all, William Holden's performance in this film gives this film a very big lead against many other films like it. Holden is a very good actor given a very good role here as Sefton, a soldier that uniquely accepts his situation. The other supporting, and even prominent roles are good but seems "intentionally" underdeveloped for the benefit of not complicating viewers with unnecessary information. The story, consisting of a "whodunit" plot, wartime ordeals, and amusing dialogue between the characters is superb for it's time. All in all, watching "Stalag 17" is at least a fine way to spend your time.
I've read many reviews that say that they were disappointed with this film. Some were annoyed because it wasn't as realistically gritty and tense like "Saving Private Ryan". Well, that's the effect of the Hays Offices (censorship officials of American produced movies during the past). I have to say that although it may have lacked the grittiness of Spielberg's film, it still surpasses "Saving Private Ryan" for it's honest approach to it's characters such as the POW that responds to his wife's letter ("I believe it.") with a certain kind of feeling that can truly be described as honest and the German "Wake up caller" Scherbach's constant joking around with POWs while remaining true to his kommandant's wishes. The 'Animal' and Shapiro characters were obviously created for comic relief but it should only be taken as that, comic relief (Hell, everyone's a comedian and at least they tried). Most anybody that was disappointed with this film were probably disappointed for it's strange association with the TV show "Hogan's Heroes". I must say that I don't care much for that certain show but I do like this film.
I really don't think that any film should ever be compared with another film or a TV show (unless it's a spinoff, then they're just asking for it) no matter how related they are. A movie is a movie on it's own and never with the help of another, no matter the similarities. This is a classic film, worthy of it's praise yet unworthy of it's negative critique. Nobody should let personal opinions be considered flaws. Just watch it, when you have the chance, with an open mind.