Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
SALT LAKE CITY — In my history classes I offer my students a film assignment in which they must watch a film set in a historical period and then try to separate historical fact from Hollywood fiction. I provide them with a list of several dozen films — some great, some not, and I am always curious about which films they'll choose. More often than not, I come away from their papers wanting to revisit some of those truly great films.
The films on my list run the gamut of world history, American history and Western civilization. Not surprisingly, however, many times my students pick films set in World War II. The following are five European theater World War II films that, while not always 100 percent historically accurate, nevertheless convey the flavor of the period. They're also a lot of fun to watch.
The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel
Henry Hathaway's “The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel” (1951) is a first-rate, though not always accurate, bio-pic of one of Hitler's most accomplished generals. Based on Desmond Young's biography, “The Desert Fox” details Erwin Rommel's exploits in North Africa and France. James Mason's performance is commanding yet understated, and he plays Rommel with the right mixture of egotism, compassion and naivete. Though this film does play fast and loose with the facts (such as Rommel's involvement in the July 20 plot), it nevertheless remains a gripping historical tale of a brilliant, flawed soldier. Jessica Tandy and Leo G. Carroll co-star.
“Stalag 17” from 1953 is an amazing film set in a German POW camp in which the American inmates come to believe that one of their own is a traitor. When most of the prisoners become convinced that the cynical, roguish Sefton (William Holden) is the turncoat, he must clear his name and find a way to escape before the real traitor strikes again. Writer and director Billy Wilder was an Austrian Jew who had fled Europe before World War II. His unique perspective on human nature and the Nazi mind lend considerable credibility to this thrilling, fictional film. Rounded out with a great supporting cast including Peter Graves and Otto Preminger, “Stalag 17” is a wonderful POW escape film.
For a sheer powerhouse performance, few actors equal the achievement of George C. Scott in 1970's “Patton.” Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, “Patton” details the World War II military career of Gen. George S. Patton as he fights in North Africa and Europe. Notorious for his over-the-top theatrics, frequent foul language and general bad behavior, Patton nevertheless proved an effective combat leader who consistently drove back Nazi armies wherever he found them. Scott brings compassion and humanity to this gifted, troubled and perhaps mentally unstable individual. The film itself is a masterpiece of military cinema, and reportedly was President Richard Nixon's favorite film. Karl Malden co-stars as Gen. Omar Bradley.
One of the most ambitious war films ever made, 1977's “A Bridge Too Far” details the tragic, desperate struggle to capture key bridges from the Nazis in Holland in September 1944. Dubbed “Operation Market-Garden,” the plan ended in disaster and left the Allies with more casualties than the D-Day landings. Richard Attenborough's film presents myriad viewpoints, and an enormous, international cast brings this human drama to life. Sean Connery, Gene Hackman and Anthony Hopkins make up only a small portion of big name stars in this film.
Despite my initial reservations and almost universal critical skepticism, 2008's “Valkyrie” turned out to be a generally accurate, compelling film surrounding the attempt of Col. Claus von Stauffenberg to assassinate Adolf Hitler. The film succeeds both as a reminder of the need for sacrifice against evil, and as a heart-pounding caper movie. Director Bryan Singer pulled out all the stops to re-create wartime Germany and brought major talent to his cast. In addition to Tom Cruise as Stauffenberg, Tom Wilkinson, Kenneth Branagh and Bill Nighy star in this World War II thriller.
These films run the gamut from not rated (“The Deseret Fox,” “Stalag 17”) to PG (“Patton,” “A Bridge Too Far”) to PG-13 (Valkyrie). Despite scenes of wartime violence, these films contain little objectionable material and could be viewed with younger teenagers.
Cody K. Carlson holds a master's degree in history from the University of Utah and currently teaches at Salt Lake Community College. He is also the co-developer of the History Challenge iPhone/iPad apps. Email: ckcarlson76@gmail.com
