The only man ever awarded the Iron Cross by the enemy!!!
1962-06-01
N/A
116 min
Sergeant-Major Charles Coward, a brave British soldier is captured by German forces during World War II. When he's thrown into a prisoner of war camp, he immediately plans his escape. Masquerading as a wounded German soldier, he makes it as far as the medical tent, where the deceived enemy forces award him the Iron Cross. Though he is ultimately discovered, he goes on to courageously pursue his freedom with a whimsical and undying audacity.
This is a cracking showcase for an excellent Dirk Bogarde as Sgt. Maj. Coward - a British POW who sets about causing the maximum amount of havoc to his Nazi captors during WWII. Based on the true life antics of Mr. Coward, he manages to confuse and confound the enemy with everything from escapes, tunnels, sabotage, bribery... you name it. Together with sidekick Afred Lynch as Cpl. Bill Pope, the two are clearly enjoying themselves as the goon-baiting takes on frequently comically - certainly effective - proportions; even so far as designing a revolutionary new bomb sight and managing to win the Iron Cross! A good, solid, supporting cast from the likes of Richard Marner, Reginald Beckwith and Colin Blakely all keep this fun adventure story ticking along nicely and it's quite a testament to human ingenuity!
