I would have posted this odd, but very enjoyable, World War II film in the "good movies" section. However, I posted it here to protest Columbia's stupid decision to release the DVD in a full-frame aspect ratio. What a disappointment! And to make matters worse, they give you a taste of the widescreen version during the opening credits, then revert back to full-frame when the credits end. BOO!
Anyway, this movie (directed by Sydney Pollack) is about a small group of soldiers who take refuge in a 10th century castle and await the advancing German army. The soldiers include Burt Lancaster (with an eye patch), Peter Falk (as a baker), Patrick O'Neal (as an art lover), and Scott Wilson (who falls in love with a Volkswagen!) Bruce Dern also has a small role as a religious conscientious objector.
Jean-Pierre Aumont is the impotent Count who owns the castle and doesn't mind when his beautiful young wife (Astrid Heeren) sleeps with Lancaster!
I enjoyed the mixture of action, drama, and comedy (there are a few very funny scenes and some priceless dialogue). One of the more unique World War II movies.
