Stalag 17

This is the first in a two-part series where I look at the two classic films made from the powerful combination of Billy Wilder and William Holden. The first: Stalag 17.

Set in a World War II German P.O.W. camp, the story centers around a group of American prisoners trying to break free. From the first scene, two prisoners sneak out of their cabin - Stalag 17 - and make a break from for the outer fence. Pushing through the barbwire, they’re seeming in the clear when Nazi soldiers ambush them, gunning them down where they stand. The rest of the American prisoners, crestfallen after their failure, have decided that the German ambush was no fluke... there must be a traitor in their barracks.

Things get a little dicey when the prisoners begin to point fingers at their bunkmate Sefton (Holden). As a guy who understands this is a dog-eat-dog world, Sefton has done a great job at securing himself a “plush” life in the prisoner camp. Scoring cigars, liquor, and even a visit to the girls’ compound, Sefton leads a comfortable life - much more comfortable than what seems possible for someone in his position.

Eventually, all of his partners turn on him, suspecting him of ratting them out to the prison officers, and shun him after giving him a good flogging. It becomes clear that Sefton needs to find the true spy before he, or his whole crew, gets killed.

After seeing a couple of Wilder’s films, it’s clear that even when telling a serious drama he always needs to splice it up with some humor. Two American prisoners, Animal and Shapiro, are always goofing around and getting into trouble with their wild antics. Even when disobeying Nazi orders, they’re usual just scowled at or something by the prison guard, Von Scherbach - nothing serious. It’s like Colonel Klink’s running the place. To make this clear, Wilder’s view of WWII doesn’t share any resemblance to Schindler’s List or Life is Beautiful. Aside from some brief gunfire at both the beginning and end, the camp actually seems like a relatively jolly place.

Regardless, the film was alright. I’m not going to say I loved it or anything... it was just alright. Maybe the humor is a little dated for me, but I found myself drifting away during a few parts. The only thing I can really applaud was the dialogue. Something about Holden’s cool demeanor as Sefton, everything he says sounds badass- he reminds me of a burnt out Han Solo.

Next up on the list: Sunset Blvd.