Top Ten War Movies - #1

While not as technically compelling or stark in its portrayal of combat as Saving Private Ryan this was the first movie to portray the invasion of northern Europe from both an Allied and German point of view.

This adapatation of Cornelius Ryan's book The Longest Day featured an all star cast that included familar screen personalities such as: Eddie Albert, Paul Anka, Richard Burton, Red Buttons, Sean Connery, Fabian, Mel Ferrer, Henry Fonda, Peter Lawford, Roddy McDowall, Sal Mineo, Robert Mitchum, George Segal, Rod Steiger, Robert Wagner and John Wayne.

Whew!

There was a host of better-known actors representing France, Britain and Germany too.

Released in 1962 Darryl Zanuck's production took two years to make. Filmed in France in black and white it does a good job of incorporating WWII vintage film footage. The use of sub-titles adds to its authenticity.

My dad took me to see this movie at the Uptown Theater in Milwaukee.

I was impressed.

If you like history be sure to read some of Cornelius Ryan's works.