OLDIE GOLDIES: Stalag 17 (1953)

William Holden with his Best Actor Oscar

Every time I watch a Billy Wilder I'm always amazed by his story-telling and that was certainly the case with this week's Oldie Goldies film "Stalag 17". This is a great tale of courage and the power of community in a time of great duress. Even though it's a World War II film, it's also quite hilarious with its great ensemble cast. The film won an Oscar for Best Actor, along with 2 other well-deserved nominations for Best Director and Best Supporting Actor.

Classic Quote

"Nobody has ever escaped from Stalag 17. Not alive, anyway."

Classic Scene

The Hitler Prank

Classic Characters

Sergeant J.J. Sefton (William Holden)

Sergeant. Stanislaus 'Animal' Kuzawa (Robert Strauss)

Did you know?
The script was rewritten quite a bit by Wilder and Blum and the film was shot in chronological order (not the usual practice as that method is more expensive and time-consuming).