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The Desert FoxRating:
Release Date: 20 May, 2003 Retail Price: $14.98 OUR Price: $9.99 You SAVE: $4.99! Cast: Complete Cast (10 total) |
The Desert Fox Reviews
A classic film about the heroics of an honourable man
While this 1951 biographical film on WWII German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel is stylistically dated, "The Desert Fox" is a decent enough documentary about key moments in his life between 1941 to 1944.
Based on the research undertaken by Michael Rennie, who was a POW in North Africa when he first encountered Rommel, he relates how his travel to Germany after the war and interviews with family members and soldiers who served under him influenced his quest to discover the truth behind Rommel's death. From there, the film attempts to probe how and why Rommel became a conspirator in Adolf Hitler's assassination.
Although filmed six years after the WWII, "The Desert Fox" is surprisingly respectful in its treatment of Rommel. He is portrayed as an honourable man who fought for his country's cause, but then realised he had to correct Hitler's misuse of power, disregard for life and dishonour of Germany.
As for the cinematography, I found the weakest scene in the film was in the opening when British commandos attempted to assassinate Rommel in 1941; it is set on a film stage and looks it. Otherwise, the historical footage of some of the battles in North Africa, the Atlantic fortifications and D-Day are appropriately segued to his life and lend authenticity. There are even brief glimpses of Generals Eisenhower and Patton, as well as then British Prime Minister Churchill's tribute honouring the heroics of Rommel.
James Mason's portrayal of Rommel is superb. Jessica Tandy as Rommel's dutiful and supportive wife is passable, although it's certainly not her finest performance.
The digital transfer of this B&W film looks fine.
King of cool, before James Dean and Elvis and Al Pacino
What a great leather jacket! My VHS copy looks good, and I will pit it against your DVD any time.
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