- Film Review
- Reviewed By David Parkinson
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3 out of 5
This rather forgotten film in Dirk Bogarde's canon is a fitfully amusing war offering based on the true-life exploits of one Charles Coward, a cocky PoW who spent his time humiliating his guards and preparing his colleagues for escape. Writer/director Andrew L Stone occasionally pushes too hard for comic effect and Bogarde is hardly perfect casting, but the story of Coward's attempts to reach the Polish Resistance is fascinating and would have benefited from a more dramatic retelling. Alfred Lynch and Reginald Beckwith provide sterling support and, on the evidence of this performance, Maria Perschy should have become much better known.
Plot Summary
War drama starring Dirk Bogarde based on the real-life adventures of the inaptly named Charlie Coward, the only English soldier to receive the Iron Cross. Captured at Dunkirk, he made countless bids for freedom, culminating in a final escape attempt with his pal, Billy Pope.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Charles Coward
- Dirk Bogarde
- Irena
- Maria Perschy
- Billy Pope
- Alfred Lynch
- Cole
- Nigel Stock
- Unteroffizier
- Reginald Beckwith
- Schmidt
- Richard Marner
- Aussie
- Ed Devereaux
Crew
- Director
- Andrew L Stone
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