The Eagle Has Landed
September 4th, 2008 admin
1976
Starring: Michael Caine, Robert Duvall, Donald Sutherland, Jenny Agutter, Donald Pleasance, Jean Marsh
Director: John Sturges
Runtime: 124 minutes
Distributor: Granada
Rating: PG-13
Given the self-imposed blackout of certain aspects of history by its people for their own sake, combined with a deep seeded sense of shame, we are never going to get a World War II film where the Germans come off well made by Germany. So in the spirit of forgiveness, good relations, and fair play, we duly obliged and made one ourselves. Based on Jack Higgins pulp thriller The Eagle Has Landed could certainly be accused of being more than a little far-fetched (even by war movie standards) but, as it goes, it’s one of the most simple, entertaining and criminally underrated war flicks out there. With an all star cast and a unique take on a genre that’s played out to the point of redundant, this little belter has plenty of charm and a brigade of top notch performances that sees it punch well above its weight.