In relation to the criticism leveled at the movie – we do see Smith and Schaffer taking out a lot of Germans in the castle with no causalities (and outside of it for that matter) for it’s day the carnage I’m sure would have bothered the censor – but it looks timid now. Had the Germans really been that poor shots – we’d have probably have lost the war? Some people also feel the film is a little on the long side – (about 2hrs 20) however there is a lot of ground to cover and short of chopping out some of the early scene setting I’m not sure how the editor would have shortened it.
It makes it on to this site because frankly I really enjoyed it and have watched it again on numerous occasions – my marker for a good film. The drama is still there and the actors highly watchable, again and again. It’s an adapted screenplay from the novel of the same name by Alistair MacClean and therefore you know that you’re getting your moneys worth in terms of plot and suspense. Steven Spielberg has said this is among his favourite war movies he has even used the famous phrase ‘Broadsword calling Danny Boy’ in an interview. The film is also a favourite of Quentin Tarantino - he has said that he'd like to re-make it. One final note the phrase,
‘Broadsword calling Danny boy’ has become famous – it’s a well used impression of Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2. I’ve included it on this page as a ring tone…don’t say I don’t do anything for you…
Broadsword Ringtone (right click...save as)
