CASTLE KEEP (1969) - actually, a good movie . . . however . . .

[The Burgomaster]

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.