THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

UK, 1976, 135 minutes, Colour.
Michael Caine, Donald Sutherland, Robert Duvall, Jenny Agutter, Jean Marsh, Donald Pleasence, Anthony Quayle, John Standing, Judy Geeson, Larry Hagman.
Directed by John Sturges.

Big-budget war exploit films have always been popular. This one is as good as any other. Its interest lies in what seems a far-fetched attempt to kidnap Churchill and in its popular stars, Michael Caine and Donald Sutherland, working for the Nazis. Build-up is quite good and much of the detail of the mission quite exciting, even though, on second thoughts, the whole exploit seems too far-fetched, Michael Caine pushes the action forward effectively. Are we made to want him to succeed? Sutherland offers a character sketch of a wily I.R.A. man. The English are generally stiff upper-lipped. Enjoyable, average action stuff.

1. The appeal of this kind of war spectacle, interest in the facts and their interpretation? Its quality as a war film,, as an adventure? As made in the mid-70s for that audience?

2. How plausible was the plot, the treatment, the characters and their mission? The initial explanation, the commentary at the end? Could audiences believe this?

3. The background of Hitler in 1943, his fanaticism and ideas? Himmler and his support of such plans for his own end? Himmler as a sinister character? Admiral Kanaris and his disillusionment with Hitler and his Cabinet? Radl and his support of Kanaris, his infatuation with the plan, his reliance on Himmler and his permit, his determination? The atmosphere of German Intelligence research, feasibility study? The authority and skill to carry out such a raid? Comment on the detail and the interest which this background gave.

4. Why was Radl interested in the plan? His theory of coincidence? The strength of his commitment to the plan, the details of preparation, his own personal interest?

5. The recruiting of Dev1in: what kind of man was he, the Irish background, work in Berlin, strengths and weaknesses of character, motivation,, the I.R.A.? His easy-going style? A non-political person as regards World War II? Could audiences like him?

6. The contrast with Steiner as hero? His reputation, his loyal troop, the importance of the encounter at the railway station with the Jewess, his defiance of the S.S., the result of the court martial, his work on Alderney Island? The exercises and the risk of death? His acceptance of the mission, training. the preparation of the plane etc.? Was Steiner a credible hero with his band of men?

7. The preparation for the mission in terms of detail information? Radl and his continued communication with Himmler? The gradual information getting back, the sense of failure, the message from the U-boats Himmler's disassociation from Radl, the arrest and Radl's knowledge of this? The solemnity and pride of his death? Audience response to this Nazi behaviour?

8. The contrast with the English village: its quiet way of life, in the country, country style, Molly and the milk, the sulky, the bikes, the background of the marshes, the Women's Volunteers, the parish priest the chatter in the pub etc? How well did we get to know the village, its layout people?

9. This setting for the visit of Churchill, its importance, the suspense about his visit and the mission? what would have happened if the Germans had succeeded?

10. The film's attention to detail with Dev1in and his preparations. the complications with Molly and her infatuation, the sequence on the beach, Arthur's hostility in the pub, leading to Arthur's death, Dev1in burying him, Molly's fear and her visit to the church? How credible was this background?

11. How important was the character of Father Verecker? As a priest, his relationship with the people, so much action happening in the church? Pamela and her American boyfriend? The priest and his sense of betrayal? Pamela and her ability to save the situation, her being shot? Father Verecker's anger?

12. How credible was the character of Mrs Gray? How effective a spy, her role in the village, the explanation of her motivations, her not wanting to leave the village, her shooting Pamela, her confronting the American major, the violence of her death? How credible a character?

13. The drama with its incidental humour of Steiner conducting his exercises in the village? The people accepting them? The encounter with the Americans? The ability for quick thinking? The possibility of success?

14. Comment on the accident of the girl in the mill, the soldier saving her, the revelation of the truth? The importance of circumstances altering events?

15. How well did the presentation of the Americans fit in with the English and the Germans? The major and his complaint about desk-work, his pig-headedness, what kind of man was he, what type? His leading of the men, his foolish disregard of advice, the slaughter of the men, the inevitability of his own death? What comment on jingoistic American interference?

16. The pathos of the death of all the soldiers in the church? The man who played the organ, their loyalty to Steiner? The fact that they had released the hostages? Steiner's escape, with his assistant and his putting him on the boat?

17. The further complications of Dev1in and Molly? Molly's support and her not understanding Dev1in? The effect on him? Was it credible that they should remain behind? The nature of their love, what future?

18. The final build-up of suspense with Steiner and the success of his mission, the confrontation with Churchill? A sense of achievement?

19. The dramatic impact of the revelation of the truth? The seeing of Churchill shot and dead? The ultimate futility of the mission?

20. Was this a good war film? Reasons for fighting, espionage, heroism, the involvement of people of all walks of life?