Today’s quick review: Stalag 17. At a German prison camp in World War II, a group of American airmen try to make the most of their captivity, hiding escape tunnels and contraband from the Germans. But after a suspicious string of victories for the guards, the prisoners begin to suspect that someone in their barracks is an informant. As tensions mount, suspicion falls on J.J. Sefton (William Holden), an unliked cynic who protests that he is innocent.
Stalag 17 is a war drama with comedic elements. The movie follows a group of American POWs as they find ways to cope with life in prison, pull pranks on their captors, and search for the traitor among them. Stalag 17 features a well-constructed plot that first hints at and then exposes a dangerous threat to the men. At the same time, it never entirely loses its sense of humor. The result is an odd but successful blend of optimism and paranoia.
Stalag 17 has a solid comedic backbone. The prisoners of Stalag 17 are an unruly bunch, full of ingenuity and spirit. Their day-to-day antics are a steady source of classic, goofy humor, even if it’s weighed down by a couple of sober moments. The comedy side of the movie is led by Animal (Robert Strauss) and Harry (Harvey Lembeck), who trade barbs with Johan Sebastian Schulz (Sig Ruman), the affable German officer in charge of the barracks.
But in spite of the light tone for most of the movie, the underlying plot is dramatic. Price (Peter Graves) and Duke (Neville Brand) lead the search for the traitor, setting their sights on Sefton early on. The gradual way the hunt unfolds, the clues that are revealed about the traitor, and the fallout of the investigation lead to a satisfying plot progression. The movie also tucks away a couple of poignant moments that touch on the prisoners’ losses.
Stalag 17 is a solid pick for fans of the classics. The lighter tone sets it apart from most war films, but it still manages to tell a good story that showcases life in German POW camps and the resourcefulness of the prisoners trapped there. Stalag 17 has smaller stakes than other movies in the same vein, and the antics of the prisoners won’t appeal to everyone. But those with a taste for classic writing and acting will like what they see.
For a larger-scale war drama about a German POW camp, try The Great Escape. For a more gut-wrenching comedic drama about survival in World War II, try Life is Beautiful. For a more thrilling hunt for a mole, try The Usual Suspects or The Departed. For a classic comedy with a similar sense of humor, try It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.
8.0 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 to 7.5 for good humor and a well-constructed plot.