Stalag 17
Stalag 17

Stalag 17

1953Movie120 minEnglish

After two American prisoners are killed by guards in the act of escaping from a German POW camp in World War II, barracks black marketeer J.J. Sefton is suspected of being an informer.

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IMDb7.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic82/100
Google Users90%
Director: Billy WilderGenres: Comedy, Drama, War

Plot Summary

During World War II, American POWs are held in a German prison camp, Stalag 17. The prisoners suspect there is a collaborator among them, as the Germans seem to know their every move. When a new prisoner arrives, they must figure out who the informant is before their escape plans are discovered.

Critical Reception

Stalag 17 was a critical and commercial success, praised for its sharp wit, compelling performances, and unique blend of comedy and drama within a war setting. It is widely regarded as a classic of the genre.

What Reviewers Say

  • A masterful blend of black humor and suspense that humanizes POWs while exposing their darker sides.
  • William Holden delivers a career-defining performance as the cynical but resourceful Sergeant Sefton.
  • Billy Wilder's direction ensures the film is both entertaining and thought-provoking, defying typical war movie tropes.

Google audience: Audiences loved the film's dark humor, sharp writing, and compelling performances, particularly William Holden's. Many appreciated its realistic portrayal of POW life and its ability to balance intense drama with comedic relief.

Awards & Accolades

William Holden won the Academy Award for Best Actor. It was also nominated for Best Director and Best Picture.

Fun Fact

The German prison camp setting was actually a repurposed movie set from the film 'The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel', which was filmed at the same studio.

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