During the Battle of the Bulge, an anachronistic count shelters a ragtag squad of Americans in his isolated castle hoping they will defend it against the advancing Germans.
Production
Real Belgian castle creates gorgeous surrealist backdrop.
Acting
Falk's artisanal baker sergeant steals every scene.
Writing
William Eastlake's novel adapted with poetic weirdness.
Director
Sydney Pollack
Burt Lancaster
Maj. Abraham Falconer
Jean-Pierre Aumont
The Count of Maldorais
Peter Falk
Sgt. Rossi
Bruce Dern
Lt. Billy Byron Bix
Patrick O'Neal
Capt. Lionel Beckman
Astrid Heeren
Therese
Scott Wilson
Cpl. Clearboy
Tony Bill
Lt. Amberjack
Al Freeman Jr.
Pvt. Allistair Piersall Benjamin
James Patterson
Elk
Michael Conrad
Sgt. DeVaca
Caterina Boratto
Red Queen
Elizabeth Teissier
Red Queen Girl
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Sydney Pollack later disowned this film, calling it 'pretentious and confused'—the 1969 critics agreed.
Released at peak anti-war sentiment, its surrealism alienated audiences wanting either M*A*S*H satire or The Dirty Dozen action.
US
