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Amazon.co.uk Review
During the Second World War the Germans put many of the Allied prisoners-of-war (POWs) who had proved consistent escapees together in a maximum security fortress, the very name of which became a legend. Based on the book by Colditz escapee Major Pat Reid, The Colditz Story (1957) documents the further, sometimes successful, escape attempts of these extraordinarily brave, resourceful and indomitable men. Starring John Mills, Eric Portman, Bryan Forbes and Anton Diffring, and co-written and directed by Guy Hamilton, who later made The Battle of Britain (1969), this is a sober, even-handed account, that is gripping and informative, yet not without humour. Sterling performances from the cast of stalwart actors adds up to a British cinema classic. Such is the fascination of Colditz that in 1972-3 the BBC made a very successful drama series staring Jack Hedley, Bernard Hempton, Robert Wagner and David McCallum, while in 2000 Channel 4 offered a superb three-part documentary, Escape from Colditz. In contrast to the semi-documentary feel of The Colditz Story David Lean's classic The Bridge on the River Kwai, from the same year, is an epic and powerful account of POW life in barbaric Japanese prison camps. --Gary S. Dalkin
Product Description
United Kingdom released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: LANGUAGES: English ( Mono ), WIDESCREEN (1.78:1), SPECIAL FEATURES: Black & White, Interactive Menu, Scene Access, SYNOPSIS: During World War II, the impenetrable Colditz castle in Germany was selected as the site for a POW camp. The Germans reason that, since Colditz has been virtually impossible to get into or out of for centuries, it is ideal for housing the most contentious allied prisoners. British officer John Mills doesn't agree, and leads an escape through a subterranean tunnel. Only three of the prisoners (Mills included) survive the escape; the next step is to get out of Germany itself. Colditz Story is based on the reminiscences of P. R. 'Pat' Reid, the real-life English officer portrayed in this film by John Mills. SCREENED/AWARDED AT: BAFTA Awards, ...The Colditz Story
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
21 of 22 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
A gripping yarn that provides a smjorgasbord of Colditz escape stories. The events portrayed are generally accurate, the acting is first-class (well, just look at the cast!) and the viewer is left with a feeling of "Well done, chaps! That's one on the nose for Jerry!"
Although I had seen this movie when it was a theatre release, this was purchased after I watched the recent TV "mini-series" on Colditz done by the BBC. The film is as enjoyable now as it was all those many years ago.
17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
The Colditz Story was one of a number of movies the British made during the Fifties which relived the victories and bravery of their armed services during WWII. Often these movies starred John Mills. The Colditz Story is based on fact. Colditz Castle in Germany was used to imprison the most incorrigible prisoners-of-war, those who persistently made escape attempts. British, French, Polish and Dutch officers were sent there. Unfortunately for the Germans, they wound up trying to keep inside men dedicated to escaping, and who had skills they now could share. The result was that more prisoners of war escaped from Colditz than from any other prisoner of war camp in either the First or Second World Wars.
The movie is based on the memoirs of Pat Reid (John Mills), who served as an escape officer at Colditz and then was one of the first to break out and make it back to England. While the movie is a bit dated, it also is a dramatic and efficient telling of escape attempts, ruses played against the German captors and, of course, of the unfailing courage and good spirits of the British officers. Take the film for what it is, a demonstration for British audiences of the pluck and courage of their military during a horrendously threatening war which they won, and you won't be disappointed.
If you're fond of old British movies, you'll recognize, among others, Eric Portman, Lionel Jeffries, Bryan Forbes and Ian Carmichael. The DVD I saw has a picture and audio in very good shape considering the age of the movie.
The movie is based on the memoirs of Pat Reid (John Mills), who served as an escape officer at Colditz and then was one of the first to break out and make it back to England. While the movie is a bit dated, it also is a dramatic and efficient telling of escape attempts, ruses played against the German captors and, of course, of the unfailing courage and good spirits of the British officers. Take the film for what it is, a demonstration for British audiences of the pluck and courage of their military during a horrendously threatening war which they won, and you won't be disappointed.
If you're fond of old British movies, you'll recognize, among others, Eric Portman, Lionel Jeffries, Bryan Forbes and Ian Carmichael. The DVD I saw has a picture and audio in very good shape considering the age of the movie.
6 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
An excellent movie, one of the best war captivity movies ever made if not the best. Simple as that!!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Clodiz story
a good film one that you can never realy tire of always\abitthat you missdthe last time you watched it some think for the family on a cold winters night, good story good acting by... Read more
Published 10 days ago by his royal higness
Keeping a cool head is'nt easy in Colditz
Wonderful account of the Colditz escape stories, with some great actors, humour and tense moments. It is very old fashioned, not all the cast is on form and it is a bit rough... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Josh
Classic Colditz capers
The Colditz Story, as one might expect, tells the tale of arguable the most `famous' prisoner of war camps during the Second World War and those who tried to escape from it. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Albatross
Very British
The problem with films of 90 minutes is when trying to get five years into that space. Apart from this problem the film is a classic, a must in any collection.
Published 16 months ago by Malcolm D. Porter
The coditz story
A good film of WW2 showing that although british officers were court and put into prisoner of war camps or in this case a old castle that was ecape proof so said the German'... Read more
Published 18 months ago by Keithrogers
Interesting
This is a film that had to be made, even though it is a little "sterile". A fine cast, who compliment each other well and the story of the bravery and determination of prisoners of... Read more
Published 19 months ago by Filmbuff
stirring stuff as tommy outwits jerry!
Daring do and stiff upper lip escapes fill this excellent movie from start to end. John Mills leads an all star cast telling the well known story of allied prisoners of war trying... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Mr. A. Moore
Escapist entertainment
I saw this when I was about 10, and thoroughly enjoyed it. Seeing it again last night, I now realise that 10 is about the right age for the audience. Read more
Published on 18 July 2009 by Bill
Really good movie
A classic. Great acting, good film. Just not a "5 star" like "Lawrence of Arabia" or "Bridge Over the River Kwai" but well worth the purchase.
Published on 21 Feb 2009 by B. Bakker
Another great black and white film.
If a film stars John Mills then we know it will be good!
Published on 11 Jun 2007 by "Smith" Reader
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