Where Eagles Dare

Where Eagles Dare (1968)
MGM
Directed by Brian G. Hutton
Starring Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood, Mary Ure

Written for the screen by action master, Alistair MacLean, Where Eagles Dare is a genre classic about infiltration during World War II. Burton and Eastwood star as British Major John Smith and American Lieutenant Morris Schaffer, respectively, who take on a daring mission to infiltrate a German base, high in the mountains, and rescue a captured American general. The script is thrilling and full of action. MacLean is known for these types of stories including The Guns of Navarone. This film is much more action-oriented and showcases the different acting styles of Burton and Eastwood. Both are known for their acting chops, with Burton portraying more “civilized” characters while Eastwood plays the “rogue.” In the film, Burton plays the double agent and head of the commando squad, while Eastwood plays the muscle of the group.

The best things going for Where Eagles Dare is the impressive action sequences by Yakima Canutt. They are gripping, fast paced, and very well choreographed. Once the film picks up pace during the lift-ride to the castle, the tension never lets go. It is a wonderful joyride that features a few twists and turns with several characters including Major Smith. Where Eagles Dare will keep you on the edge of your seat, and not let you go. The most intense scenes include a brawl on the lift going to the castle, and an impressive escape using hostages.

The cinematography of Where Eagles Dare is very dark, giving the film a gloomy feel. It starts off in the snow covered mountains at dusk. Right from the opening shot, the mood is set as a dark tale of espionage, treachery, and lies. The film never lightens up, but is never too dark to hide detail of the vast landscapes. The shadows in this film, from the bar to the castle, are strong and give a sense of mystery to the mission. Almost as if the mission is hidden in the shadows. This is especially true when Major Smith and Schaffer find that the rest of the British commandos have been killed upon arriving in Germany. Right from the beginning, the film starts off as a murder mystery and then turns into a commando mission film, while never letting go of the urgency or tension created from the opening sequence.

Where Eagles Dare is a well directed, well written action thriller that will not let go. It is a little slow at the beginning, but once the mission starts to take off, the film does so as well. Burton and Eastwood are well casted and create a sense of friction between the two leads. With their performances and MacLean’s script, Where Eagles Dare is a classic World War II film that perfectly balances action with thrills.

Rating: B+


June 20, 2010