I recently watched the film again after many years. It bears its age well and I had forgotten the number of nail-biting sequences: brigadier's car blown up, chase by Germans, second check by Germans, Anthony Quayle in the quicksand, and best of all, "winding" the ambulance up the sand cliff to get out of the Qattra Depression, etc. Etc.
The four main characters play their roles well although my personal favourite is Anthony Quayle as the South African/German. He successfully conveys a figure of strength and confidence, balanced by a sense of defeatism when his true identity is revealed.
John Mills is solid in his playing of the worn-out but still dogged British officer although he is diminutive against Anthony Quayle and Harry Andrews.
Sylvia Sims is plucky and just about believable whilst Harrt Andrews is totally dependable as the sergeant.
Altogether a cracking film !
The four main characters play their roles well although my personal favourite is Anthony Quayle as the South African/German. He successfully conveys a figure of strength and confidence, balanced by a sense of defeatism when his true identity is revealed.
John Mills is solid in his playing of the worn-out but still dogged British officer although he is diminutive against Anthony Quayle and Harry Andrews.
Sylvia Sims is plucky and just about believable whilst Harrt Andrews is totally dependable as the sergeant.
Altogether a cracking film !