When discussing the greatest war films in cinema history, Billy Wilder’s 1953 classic Stalag 17 is a film that often stirs conversation, bringing a fresh perspective on the tragic events. Originally adapted from a successful Broadway play, the American movie seamlessly blends tension, human drama, and dark comedy. The entertainment trade publication Variety, a highly respected industry authority that has covered Hollywood for over a century, has ranked the film among the 30 greatest war movies ever made.
In the film, Wilder balances the harsh realities and monotony of a World War II prisoner-of-war (POW) camp, located “somewhere in Austria”, with sharp humour and suspense. The film holds a high standing for its claustrophobic atmosphere, sharp script, and Oscar-winning performance.
The plot centres on a German POW camp holding 630 American sergeants. When a hidden informant tips off the guards, leading directly to the deaths of two prisoners trying to escape, the men are forced to figure out who among them is the traitor.
Suspicion quickly falls on J.J. Sefton, played by William Holden, who is a cynical and clever loner routinely trading with the German guards for special privileges. Holden’s nuanced portrayal of Sefton earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor, while Wilder and supporting actor Robert Strauss also received Oscar nominations for their work on the production.
Decades after its release, the film maintains a strong reputation. It currently holds an approval rating of over 90% on the review site Rotten Tomatoes.
Audiences today continue to discover the film’s appeal, with one recent viewer noting: “Just saw this movie for the first time. This movie is still exciting and compelling and does not bore for even one minute, even while the whole movie takes place in a German prison camp.
“Great performances of the entire cast, and especially from William Holden. On the other hand, I have never been disappointed by a Billy Wilder movie.”
Another summarised: “Sarcasm, satire and not so subtle messages about war, loyalty and survival wrapped in a ground-breaking dramedy.”