The yesteryear war classic, ‘Where Eagles Dare’ starring Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood is now being screened at the Majestic cinema, Colombo.
After nearly four decades since oiginal release, this evergreen cinematic production set in the backdrop of the World War II is directed by Brian G. Hutton and stars Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood and Mary Ure in the principal roles.
Based on the best-selling author Alistair MacLean’s novel and screenplay, the film became a commercial success.
During World War II, a British aircraft is shot down and crashes in Nazi held territory. The Germans capture the only survivor, an American General, and take him to the nearest SS headquarters. Unknown to the Germans the General has full knowledge of the D-Day operation.
The British decide that the General must not be allowed to divulge any details of the Normandy landing at all cost and order Major John Smith to lead a crack commando team to rescue him. Amongst the team is an American Ranger, Lieutenant Schaffer, who is puzzled by his inclusion in an all British operation. When one of the team dies after the parachute drop, Schaffer suspects that Smith’s mission has a much more secret objective.
The production, which hired some of the top moviemaking professionals of the period, is considered a classic of its genre. The major contributors to the success of the movie included Yakima Canutt, the legendary Hollywood stuntman, who as second-unit director shot most of the action scenes, famed British stuntman Alf Joint who doubled for Burton in some of the most thrilling sequences such as the aerial fight on top of the cable car, award-winning conductor and composer Ron Goodwin who wrote the memorable film score and Oscar-nominee, Arthur Ibbetson who created the movie’s vivid cinematography. |
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