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.
Dirk Bogarde
Sergant-Major Charles Coward
Maria Perschy
Irena
Alfred Lynch
Corporal Bill Pope
Nigel Stock
Cole
Reginald Beckwith
Unterofficer
Richard Marner
Schmidt
Ed Devereaux
Aussie
Lewis Fiander
Pringle
George Mikell
Necke
Richard Carpenter
Robinson
Bernard Archard
1st Prisoner of War
Ferdy Mayne
1st German Officer at French Farm
George Pravda
2nd German Officer at French Farm
Olaf Pooley
German Doctor
Michael Mellinger
Feldwebel
Colin Blakely
1st German Goon
Margaret Whiting
French Farmwoman
Mark Eden
2nd Prisoner of War
Douglas Livingstone
Bennett
John Gardiner
3rd Prisoner of War
Howard Pays
Mansard
Tommy Elliott
Concertina Player
Bernard Proctor
Harmonica Player
Philo Hauser
2nd German Goon
Charles Durning
American Solider (uncredited)
Arnold Marlé
Old Man on Train (uncredited)
Director, Screenplay
Andrew L. Stone
Book
John Castle
July 8, 2024
7
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!
Status:
Released
Original Language:
English
Budget:
$0.00
Revenue:
$0.00