Stalag 17

US (1953): Drama/Comedy/War

Black comedy and suspenseful action inside a German POW camp during World War II -- a setting that was later borrowed for the TV sitcom "Hogan's Heroes." The great director Billy Wilder adapted the hit stage play, applying his own wicked sense of humor to the apparently bleak subject matter. William Holden plays Sefton, an antisocial grouse amid a gang of wisecracking though indomitable American prisoners. Because of his bitter cynicism, Holden is suspected by the others of being an informer to the Germans, an accusation he must deal with in his own crafty way.

Holden, who had delivered a brilliant performance for Wilder in Sunset Boulevard, won the 1953 Best Actor Oscar^® for Stalag 17. Very much his equal, however, is Otto Preminger, an accomplished director himself, who plays the strict, sneering camp commandant. Also featured are Don Taylor, Robert Strauss, Harvey Lembeck, Richard Erdman, Peter Graves, Neville Brand and Sig Ruman. (Paramount) (Robert Horton, Amazon.com)

 Use this link to view the trailer for the theatrical re-issue of Stalag 17 on TCM.com.

3 nominations, 1 Award