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Stalag 17 survives the jump from stage to screen with flying colors, thanks to Billy Wilder's typically sterling direction and a darkly funny script.
All Critics (34) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (33) | Rotten (1) | DVD (2)
As rowdily entertaining on the screen as it was on the stage. Dec 5, 2008 | Full Review…
As rowdily entertaining on the screen as it was on the stage.
The resulting letdown is terrific, but along the way there is some of the funniest men-at-loose-ends interplay that Wilder has ever put on film. Aug 14, 2007 | Full Review…
The resulting letdown is terrific, but along the way there is some of the funniest men-at-loose-ends interplay that Wilder has ever put on film.
Don Druker
One could make an argument that, among 20th century directors, few were more versatile than Billy Wilder. Aug 14, 2007 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
One could make an argument that, among 20th century directors, few were more versatile than Billy Wilder.
James Berardinelli
A lusty comedy-melodrama, loaded with bold, masculine humor and as much of the original's uninhibited earthiness as good taste and the Production Code permit. Aug 14, 2007 | Full Review…
A lusty comedy-melodrama, loaded with bold, masculine humor and as much of the original's uninhibited earthiness as good taste and the Production Code permit.
Variety Staff
The good greatly outweighs the bad, particularly in the profile of Holden's character, a pragmatic, self-centered cynic whose heroism, when it is finally called upon, appears to come from deep within the barriers he has placed inside of himself. May 13, 2006
The good greatly outweighs the bad, particularly in the profile of Holden's character, a pragmatic, self-centered cynic whose heroism, when it is finally called upon, appears to come from deep within the barriers he has placed inside of himself.
Douglas Pratt
In the end, Stalag 17's irreverence likely didn't revolutionize moviemaking for adults so much as it paved the way for the likes of M*A*S*H and Animal House. Then again, that alone is an achievement worth celebrating. Apr 1, 2006 | Full Review…
In the end, Stalag 17's irreverence likely didn't revolutionize moviemaking for adults so much as it paved the way for the likes of M*A*S*H and Animal House. Then again, that alone is an achievement worth celebrating.
Noel Murray
Simultaneously fiery and farcical, it's a fitting final third for Wilder's 1950s hat trick that also includes Sunset Blvd and Ace in the Hole Jul 28, 2015 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Simultaneously fiery and farcical, it's a fitting final third for Wilder's 1950s hat trick that also includes Sunset Blvd and Ace in the Hole
Josh Slater-Williams
Director Billy Wilder superbly balances elements of drama, satire and comedy, and captures the claustrophobia of camp life. Dec 6, 2013 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Director Billy Wilder superbly balances elements of drama, satire and comedy, and captures the claustrophobia of camp life.
Tony Sloman
William Holden won his first and only Best Actor Oscar for Billy Wilder's vastly entertaining serio comedy set in a POW camp. May 4, 2012 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…
William Holden won his first and only Best Actor Oscar for Billy Wilder's vastly entertaining serio comedy set in a POW camp.
Emanuel Levy
When escape is the only option, you do whatever you can to make it happen. This is one exciting escape drama. Aug 15, 2011 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…
When escape is the only option, you do whatever you can to make it happen. This is one exciting escape drama.
Wesley Lovell
Teens may enjoy this exceptional, exciting drama. Dec 28, 2010 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Teens may enjoy this exceptional, exciting drama.
Nell Minow
Interesting depiction with a pretty decent performance from Holden and supported by a credible cast. Oct 23, 2007 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Interesting depiction with a pretty decent performance from Holden and supported by a credible cast.
David Parkinson
A spectacular prison camp drama that relies on an intriguing, compelling mystery while also being quite funny and touching when showing the camaraderie between the prisoners of Barrack 4, with numerous memorable scenes that make it an unmissable classic.
Super Reviewer
A group of American POWs discovers that there is an informant in their midst. Kind of a war movie lite, Stalag 17 is more entertaining than moving and more delightful than most war films typically are. William Holden's characteristic insouciance fits right in, and the rest of the cast basically follows suit. Once one gives in to the film's tone, it becomes worth watching, even if the reveal comes too early, diffusing most of the potential suspense. Overall, this is a strong, entertaining, genre-defying film, but it's not perfect.
When a self-serving operator in a WWII prison camp is suspected of collaboration with the enemy, he is forced to uncover the true culprit. Another of Billy Wilder's cynical classics, there is a lot more humour in the material than you would think. In fact it is often so broad it can resemble an extended episode of Sgt. Bilko, full of fast paced wise-cracking and army camaraderie. It is Holden's character of course that provides the real drama, and he plays it pitch perfectly. Unlike most prisoner of war films that are full of stiff upper lipped heroics, his cynical attitude never wavers and the sharp, witty dialogue makes for some fine black comedy. Easily one of the best examples of the genre.
A bit silly for WIlder, but overall a great film. Also, Preminger as the Nazi guard...doesn't get much better
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