The Longest Day (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)
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 A sprawling Hollywood interpretation of D-Day "The Longest Day" is a sprawling depiction of one of the most critical battles of World War II, D-Day, the invasion of France through Normandy's beaches. Darryl Zanuck, as head of 20th Century Fox, fastened upon Cornelius Ryan's bestselling book and decided to acquire the rights and make the movie. First, the all-star cast is worthy of note. Included in the cast: John Wayne, Robert Mitchum, Robert Ryan, Sean Connery, Richard Burton, Henry Fonda, Rod Steiger, Red Buttons, Eddie Arnold, Peter Lawford, Roddy McDowell, Kenneth More, Fabian, Tom Tryon, Sal Mineo, and so on. And Gert Frobe, from "Goldfinger" fame! Second, the movie was shot in black and white. Oddly enough, this works for me. It provides a grittier look and fits with the semi-documentary style adopted by the movie. Third, it is one of a series of such epics that appeared over a period of time, including "Tora, Tora, Tora" and "Midway." All incorporated, to some extent. actual footage of war film. Fourth, the story takes us from the preparation for the invasion and the precarious weather reports, to the launching of the forces to precede the invasion (e.g., glider troops and paratroops). Snafus are portrayed as well as successes. Fifth, some scenes that I found interesting. . . . Pluskat's finally seeing the American fleet bearing down on his bunker on the beaches of Normandy. Teddy Roosevelt, Jr. finagling his way into the invasion. "Rupert's" diversionary tactics. Red Buttons' terrifying parachute drop into a key town. The swirling bagpipes of Lord Lovat's troops (Lovat played by Peter Lawford). The nuns. . . . Scene after scene. It's a very watchable movie. So, how to evaluate? War is portrayed in a pretty antiseptic manner. After having watched "Saving Private Ryan," D-Day will never look the same, so the portrayal of the landing does not have the same punch (but it was an earlier era, and this is probably unfair to raise as an issue). In the end, though, this is one of the best versions of the events of June 6th, 1944. Best War Movie of all Times The Longest Day DVD John Wayne and Robert Mitchum head the all-star cast in this star studded recounting of the Normandy invasion during World War II. This is one of the greatest war movies ever made. It tells the story of the Allies leading up to the Invasion and some of the events that happened that day. Highly recommended for fans of World War II movies, and fans of John Wayne and Robert Mitchum. Gunner, April, 2008  Classic WWII Flick Strong cast -- classic WWII flick of the era. Was not as good as I remembered as a kid seeing it.  Don't Bother I bought this DVD and several others as Christmas gifts for my husband. He finally sat down to watch it tonight and I wish he hadn't. The DVD cuts out just before the final chapter and freezes the playback. This turned what I had hoped to be a thoughtful gift for a fan of WWII films into a very bad experience for us both. There has to be a more well manufactured version out there. My advice is, look for it and avoid this one. | |||||||||||||
