Looks and sounds very dated now, first of all, in terms of its basic film quality and background music. 1979 is around the same time as movies like Apocalypse Now and A Bridge Too Far, for example, both of which have much better all-round production quality when compared to this turkey.
The leading character played by Burton, with his plummy Shakespearian English stage actor's voice, is totally miscast as a battle-hardened (probably working class) German sergeant. That's the main jarring note of the whole thing.
Robert Mitchum does what Robert Mitchum does, as we've seen him in a hundred other war movies. He drawls his way through the film with the usual world-weary cynicism and hangdog expression.
Obligatory Hollywood German officer, Kurt Jurgens, looks like he's wearing an old uniform borrowed from someone much smaller and slimmer, and who didn't possess either a decent steam iron or an aide with one. Comic, as Kurt is usually so immaculate.
The plot is weak, the dialogue dull and the cinematography unremarkable.
One of the most forgettable films I am ever likely to see.
The leading character played by Burton, with his plummy Shakespearian English stage actor's voice, is totally miscast as a battle-hardened (probably working class) German sergeant. That's the main jarring note of the whole thing.
Robert Mitchum does what Robert Mitchum does, as we've seen him in a hundred other war movies. He drawls his way through the film with the usual world-weary cynicism and hangdog expression.
Obligatory Hollywood German officer, Kurt Jurgens, looks like he's wearing an old uniform borrowed from someone much smaller and slimmer, and who didn't possess either a decent steam iron or an aide with one. Comic, as Kurt is usually so immaculate.
The plot is weak, the dialogue dull and the cinematography unremarkable.
One of the most forgettable films I am ever likely to see.