jmd555555

I especially like the performance of Robert Vaughn in this film, as the German officer in charge of the blowing up of the Remagen bridge. His last line, in front of the firing squad, is one of the most memorable I know in the history of war films and it is all the more poignant for its juxtaposition immediately after the scene showing the emotional reunion of the characters played by George Segal and Ben Gazzara. Elmer Bernstein's memorable theme music also adds to ones enjoyment of this film although, much to my surprise, I gather that the film soundtrack has never been released in this country.

I have always been a fan of this fine British film since, as a twelve or so year old, I dragged my father off to see it at the "Gothic Film Society" in Holborn, London. One little mentioned but, in my opinion, essential ingredient in the Film's success is the great score by the French composer Georges Auric. I do not wish to give away any of the plot but if you compare the pastoral sequence which opens the film (when the Mervyn Johns character arrives at the farmhouse) with the nightmarish music at the end of the Film (which perfectly conveys the sense of impending catastrophe) you will see what I mean! Readers may be interested to know that the "Suite from Dead of Night" has recently been released (in the UK) on an enjoyable CD of Auric's film music on the Chandos record label, performed by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Rumon Gamba (the record number is CHAN 9774).