Rating: 
Summary: Great movie, except --
Review: -- Purchasers lauding the talents of Mr. Higgins (and I love his writing, and this film especially) should really be aware that he lifted large chunks of the storyline from either the excellent earlier British movie "Went The Day Well?", or the Graham Greene story it was based on. (Which also deals with a small English town, with a Nazi traitor, combatting a Nazi infiltration team posing as British soldiers.)
Rating:
Summary: Finally...
Review: ... a WWII movie in which the germans play the part of the heros.
Rating: 
Summary: Houston
Review: A slightly silly but gripping war film, one which uniquely for a 'Hollywood' film shows us the action from the side of the Nazis. Or rather, German soldiers, as Michael Caine's character does not sympathise with his superiors. Based on the novel by Jack Higgins this was produced by Lew Grade's ITC, the great white hope of the British motion picture industry, and is the only decent ITC movie ever. Despite Caine's slightly iffy 'cherman' accent it's a great film - not quite 'Where Eagles Dare', but good nonetheless - it's more of a John Le Carre spy thriller than an out-and-out action film. It has an odd tone - although bent on dastardly villiany, the German soldiers are a sympathetic lot, and it's made clear from the beginning that they're doomed, whether they succeed in their mission or not. In contrast, the allied soldiers are either undifferentiated, or pompous fools. In comparison, the novel is much 'bigger' - Donald Sutherland's character seems to have little to do in the film.As a postscript this is one of the rare, unfortunate films in which Jenny Agutter appears fully clothed throughout. Furthermore it has Larry Hagman, and not wishing to spoil the film, he... look, just don't get too attached to his character, okay?
Rating:
Summary: Thoughtful action drama
Review: A war film with heart, that shows fleshed-out characters on both sides of the conflict, instead of one-dimensional, heroes-vs-Colonel Klink stereotypes, this is everything "Where Eagles Dare" was not. It's a drama with a lot of action, or an action film with a lot of drama, depending on how you look at it. Jack Higgins wrote the book, which is supposedly based on a real-life 1943 operation by German intelligence to kidnap Winston Churchill. Robert Duvall (Radl) and Michael Caine (Steiner) are the Germans but not the bad guys in a film that is all the more sad because there are no real bad guys as such -- just professionals doing their jobs on each other for their respective countries. Donald Pleasance is cooly briliant as Himmler and Donald Sutherland is alternately clownish, charming, and ruthless as the IRA triggerman Devlin. Treat Williams gives a moving turn as the American ranger who has more respect for his German opponent Steiner than his commanding officer, played with delightful cartoon villainy by Larry Hagman. The battle scenes are long in coming, but worth the wait, and both Caine and Duvall
are first-rate as two equally likable but very different professional soldiers taking on a task both knows is not only ulikely to succeed, but almost certain to get both of them killed. Action movies are almost never antiwar in theme, but "The Eagle Has Landed" makes as good a case as "Saving Private Ryan" of the stupidity and waste inherent in war.
Rating: 
Summary: more of a love story than a war film
Review: Apart from one decent battle scene at the conclusion of the film, 'The eagle has landed'really does not make the cut in my oppinon. For starters, the storyline is pointless and the majority of acting is not much better. If not for Michael Caine the movie wouldnt have had half the success it did .. Perhaps i am picky but this is only second rate film (at best) in all areas and does not exist in my video collection.
Rating:
Summary: Non-stop espionage & adventure to please WWII buffs........
Review: At long last, one of my favourite "fictional" World War II films is finally out on DVD and the transfer is excellent all round. The 1970's was a period where war movies were filled with mercenaries, commando's and full steam ahead action....and "The Eagle has Landed" is no exception, but a better told tale than many others ! John Sturges shows once again why he is one sharpest action / suspense film directors around with this exciting filming of the very popular Jack Higgins novel. What makes this film so enjoyable, and able to withstand repeated viewings is the talented cast at the centre of this twisting tale of spies and espionage. Kurt Steiner (Michael Caine) is the disgraced leader of a group of crack German paratroopers that have been exiled to operate an MTB boat in the English Channel. Opportuntity comes their way in the form of Colonel Radl (Robert Duvall), with an incredible plot to secretly parachute into England and kidnap Winston Churchill from a country retreat. Donald Pleasance turns in a chilling performance as SS leader, Heinrich Himmler...Donald Sutherland in fine form as the IRA ally, Liam Devlin...Larry Hagman is the pompous and foolhardy Colonel Pitts and Treat Willians (in his first movie role) as the wiser and more wary American Ranger, Captain Clark. Jenny Agutter contributes the love interest as Molly Prior, and Jean Marsh puts in a cold blooded display as the Nazi sympathasier, Joanna Grey. "The Eagle has Landed" has some great twists and turns and never lets the viewer relax as the story holds a keen balance between action, suspense, romance and tragedy. Highly recommended for those who like intrigue and adventure in their WWII movies !! A highly entertaining and different WWII film that stands out from the rest.
Rating:
Summary: Non-stop espionage & adventure to please WWII buffs........
Review: At long last, one of my favourite "fictional" World War II films is finally out on DVD and the transfer is excellent all round. The 1970's was a period where war movies were filled with mercenaries, commando's and full steam ahead action....and "The Eagle has Landed" is no exception, but a better told tale than many others ! John Sturges shows once again why he is one sharpest action / suspense film directors around with this exciting filming of the very popular Jack Higgins novel. What makes this film so enjoyable, and able to withstand repeated viewings is the talented cast at the centre of this twisting tale of spies and espionage. Kurt Steiner (Michael Caine) is the disgraced leader of a group of crack German paratroopers that have been exiled to operate an MTB boat in the English Channel. Opportuntity comes their way in the form of Colonel Radl (Robert Duvall), with an incredible plot to secretly parachute into England and kidnap Winston Churchill from a country retreat. Donald Pleasance turns in a chilling performance as SS leader, Heinrich Himmler...Donald Sutherland in fine form as the IRA ally, Liam Devlin...Larry Hagman is the pompous and foolhardy Colonel Pitts and Treat Willians (in his first movie role) as the wiser and more wary American Ranger, Captain Clark. Jenny Agutter contributes the love interest as Molly Prior, and Jean Marsh puts in a cold blooded display as the Nazi sympathasier, Joanna Grey. "The Eagle has Landed" has some great twists and turns and never lets the viewer relax as the story holds a keen balance between action, suspense, romance and tragedy. Highly recommended for those who like intrigue and adventure in their WWII movies !! A highly entertaining and different WWII film that stands out from the rest.
Rating: 
Summary: A Classic War Movie
Review: Based on Hitler's plot to kidnap Winston Churchill. This movie is intersting in how the thought process of the higher command works, among other things. The responsibility for the kidnap plan is given to Colonel Radl (Robert Duvall). He stumbles across a report that Churchill may be in a vulnerable location within a month. He reacts without hesitation to move forward with a plan, a plan which he initially thinks is foolish, with unattainable goals. But he follows his orders and he soon begins to think it's quite possible. The Colonel enlists the help of an Irishman named Devlin (Donald Sutherland) who is a devoted member of the IRA and wants Germany to win the war, hence England's loss. Colonel Radl also recruits Steiner (Michael Cain), the leader of a crack commando troop that will execute the mission and what a troop he commands! Excellent fighting men but rebellios and insubordinate to those outside their group, superior rank or not. Highly decorated but going through the court martial process because of the off battle field actions. In the mold of the Dirty Dozen. But the best laid plans of mice and men always go awry. Through a good samaritan act the assaination force is discovered to be German and not what they were posing as. The plans quickly change. Will they be caught? Will they die? Will they succeed? You must watch to find out the adaptations they must make. Larry Hagman plays a priviledged, bumbling Colonel of the Allied Forces that attempts to interfere with the plan to capture Churchill. He is initially clueless but has very good subordinates. Will he fail in his attempt to protect Churchill? Will he succeed? Although the movie is short on action and battle scenes it is a very good film that keeps it's edge throughout. It should be considered a classic World War II movie. Intersting and enjoyable with an excellent cast and good acting. Watch this one and enjoy yourself.
Rating:
Summary: A Classic War Movie
Review: Based on Hitler's plot to kidnap Winston Churchill. This movie is intersting in how the thought process of the higher command works, among other things. The responsibility for the kidnap plan is given to Colonel Radl (Robert Duvall). He stumbles across a report that Churchill may be in a vulnerable location within a month. He reacts without hesitation to move forward with a plan, a plan which he initially thinks is foolish, with unattainable goals. But he follows his orders and he soon begins to think it's quite possible. The Colonel enlists the help of an Irishman named Devlin (Donald Sutherland) who is a devoted member of the IRA and wants Germany to win the war, hence England's loss. Colonel Radl also recruits Steiner (Michael Cain), the leader of a crack commando troop that will execute the mission and what a troop he commands! Excellent fighting men but rebellios and insubordinate to those outside their group, superior rank or not. Highly decorated but going through the court martial process because of the off battle field actions. In the mold of the Dirty Dozen. But the best laid plans of mice and men always go awry. Through a good samaritan act the assaination force is discovered to be German and not what they were posing as. The plans quickly change. Will they be caught? Will they die? Will they succeed? You must watch to find out the adaptations they must make. Larry Hagman plays a priviledged, bumbling Colonel of the Allied Forces that attempts to interfere with the plan to capture Churchill. He is initially clueless but has very good subordinates. Will he fail in his attempt to protect Churchill? Will he succeed? Although the movie is short on action and battle scenes it is a very good film that keeps it's edge throughout. It should be considered a classic World War II movie. Intersting and enjoyable with an excellent cast and good acting. Watch this one and enjoy yourself.
Rating:
Summary: The eagle flies better the first time in print.
Review: Based on Jack Higgin's legendary thriller novel with the same name, the screen version of "The Eagle Has Landed" never quite matches the brilliance of the in-print version. Or perhaps it's just because the premise of the novel and the magnificent twist at the end can only have its magical effect once? The plot is set in the context of the Second World War, and concerns a daring German attempt to kidnap British leader Winston Churchill while he visits a country retreat. The German plot combines the efforts of Nazi paratroopers disguised as Poles, and an eccentric lone IRA killer called Liam Devlin. But the plot goes awry when the Polish disguise wears thin, and when Liam develops a romantic interest with one of the local girls. In addition to the military conflict that ensues as the Germans take over the village, there is the character conflicts between Liam and his girl, and the psychological conflict between love and loyalty. The plot trips along merrily until a spine-tingling conclusion with a huge and satisfying twist at the end. I don't want to spoil the twist for first-time viewers who will probably enjoy this as an adventurous thriller, but those who are already familiar with the story-line will find that the heart of the story has been ripped out for them. It's a great story, but perhaps enjoyed best in print, and once only. The magic is only there once, and this film just doesn't quite have it.
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