Germans kidnap an American major and try to convince him that World War II is over, so that they can get details about the Allied invasion of Europe out of him.
Acting
Garner's slow unraveling — you see him doubt reality itself.
Production
That fake hospital town — bonkers practical set design.
Writing
Tight psychological construction, every scene a trap.
Director
George Seaton
James Garner
Major Jefferson F. Pike
Eva Marie Saint
Anna Hedler
Rod Taylor
Major Walter Gerber
Werner Peters
Otto Schack
John Banner
Ernst
Russell Thorson
Gen. Allison
Alan Napier
Col. Peter MacLean
Oscar Beregi Jr.
Lt. Col. Ostermann
Ed Gilbert
Capt. Abbott
Sig Ruman
German Guard
Celia Lovsky
Elsa
Karl Held
Cpl. Kenter
Martin Kosleck
Kraatz
Marjorie Bennett
Charwoman
Henry Rowland
German Soldier
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Based on a real British operation called 'A Force' that used similar deception techniques, though this specific scenario was fictionalized.
Released the same year as Dr. Strangelove — Hollywood was deeply obsessed with psychological warfare and the fragility of truth during the Cold War.
US
