The Guns of Navarone

THE GUNS OF NAVARONE (PG)

D: J. Lee Thompson

Columbia (Carl Foreman)

USA/UK 🇺🇸 🇬🇧 1961

148 mins

War/Adventure

W: Carl Foreman [based on the novel by Alastair McLean]

DP: Oswald Morris

Ed: Alan Osbiston

Mus: Dimitri Tiomkin

Gregory Peck (Capt. Keith Mallory), David Niven (Cpl. Miller), Anthony Quinn (Col. Andrea Stavrou), Stanley Baker (Pvt. 'Butcher' Brown), Anthony Quayle (Maj. Roy Franklin), Irene Papas (Maria Pappadimos)

One of the classic war movies manages to convey a powerful anti-war message along with it as well as being a wonderfully entertaining adventure.

A small group of commandos are given the mission of sneaking into the impenetrable fortress of Navarone on a (fictional) Greek island, where Nazi soldiers harbour the powerful guns of the title.

Considering the age, the special effects are quite masterfully done, with exceptional model-work and some impressive stunts.

The ensemble cast are all perfectly placed in their roles, especially Gregory Peck, David Niven and Anthony Quayle.

The film was deservedly nominated for a Best Picture Oscar, and won the Golden Globe for Best Dramatic Film of the year.

8/10