Where Eagles Dare (1968)

VHS COVER/SLIDE

MPAA Certificate Number: 21769

Length of film: 158 Minutes

Rated: PG  

Genre: Action, Adventure, War

Director: Brian G. Hutton

Starring: Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood, Mary Ure, Patrick Wymark, Michael Hordern, Donald Houston, Peter Barkworth, Anoton Diffring, Derren Nesbitt

IMDB Rank: 7.7/10

Part 1 Time:  87 Minutes

Part 2 Time:  71 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Major Smith (Richard Burton) and Lieutenant Schaeffer (Clint Eastwood) infiltrate the German High command in the Castle of Eagles’ great hall. Major Smith states he is really working for the SS Military Intelligence.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Certainly colonel, before I do. I wonder would you be good enough to call one of your guards. I don’t fancy talking and keeping my eye guarding at the same time” Major Smith addresses German Colonel Kramer (Anton Diffring)

First line of dialogue on the second part: “Strange… I seem to remember… that the cathedral was on the other side of the square.” Von Hapen (Derren Nesbitt) speaks to Mary (Mary Ure) in the village pub.

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Jarring, the team has made it into the castle, will they be able to retrieve the General and escape the Castle of Eagles unharmed and complete the mission? Also Major Smith has told the German high command he is really working for SS Military Intelligence, is this true?

Which part is better? This film is a great example of seamlessly impossible infiltration mission. Both parts are full of action and cunning by the protagonists, with part one focusing on gaining entry into the castle and part two escaping the castle. Part two is given the edge as the group begins their escape from the Castle of Eagles in an attempt to complete the mission.

Academy Awards: None