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The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel (1951) 6.9
The life and career of the respected World War II German general. Director:Henry Hathaway |
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Title: The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel (1951)
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Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| James Mason | ... | ||
| Cedric Hardwicke | ... |
Dr. Karl Strolin
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| Jessica Tandy | ... | ||
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Luther Adler | ... | |
| Everett Sloane | ... | ||
| Leo G. Carroll | ... | ||
| George Macready | ... |
Gen. Fritz Bayerlein
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| Richard Boone | ... |
Capt. Hermann Aldinger
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| Eduard Franz | ... | ||
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Desmond Young | ... |
Himself, Lt. Col. Desmond Young
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
This biopic follows Rommel's career after the Afrika Korps, including his work on the defenses of Fortress Europe as well as his part in the assassination attempt on Hitler, and his subsequent suicide. Written by Alfred Jingle
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
17 October 1951 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
The Desert Fox See more »Company Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Recording)Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1
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Field Marshal Gerd von Runstedt: I find it very hard to concentrate on remarks made about me.
Field Marshal Erwin Johannes Rommel: Did you say it?
Field Marshal Gerd von Runstedt: Whoever said it, you've given ample reason to regret such a foolish remark.
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(uncredited)
Music by Jacques Offenbach
Heard during the scenes of D-Day and the ensuing battles
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Did You Know?
Trivia
'The Hollywood Reporter' announced in April 1951 that actor George Pembroke would be appearing in this movie but he does not appear in this film's cast credits. See more »Goofs
When depicting the D-Day invasion at Normandy, landing craft are shown approaching the beach at Iwo Jima. Mt.Surabachi is clearly seen, but the shot has been reversed (numbers on the bows of the landing craft are back to front) to make the location less evident. See more »Quotes
Field Marshal Erwin Johannes Rommel: I'm told you once called me a clown... A clown of Hitler's. I must tell you I've said worse about you... Many times.Field Marshal Gerd von Runstedt: I find it very hard to concentrate on remarks made about me.
Field Marshal Erwin Johannes Rommel: Did you say it?
Field Marshal Gerd von Runstedt: Whoever said it, you've given ample reason to regret such a foolish remark.
See more »
Soundtracks
"Marines' Hymn"(uncredited)
Music by Jacques Offenbach
Heard during the scenes of D-Day and the ensuing battles
See more »
While a highly rewatchable war movie, with a corker of a performance from James Mason, this motion picture does have its inaccuracies--beginning with its memorable opening. In truth, British commandos did not sneak or charge in, outfitted in nightfighting fatigues; they simply walked in, disguised in Axis uniforms with fake ids. Though the covert mission proved a fiasco, Rommel, in true chivalrous tradition, had these would-be assassins buried with full military honors. However, cinematically-speaking, it's a gripping moment, and it's considered the first true pre-credit movie sequence, a trick one would see quite often in later movies, such as the Bond films and others.
The movie focuses largely on the Field Marshall's involvement with the attempted assassination of Hitler, but just how much (or how little) Rommel was involved is still arguable. Curiously, James Mason once mentioned how he was up for the part of Rommel and was competing with another Fox contract-player, Gary Merrill (best known as Bette Davis's love interest in ALL ABOUT EVE). Mason was impressed by how well Merrill marched and strutted, doing bits of military-like physical action that didn't come easily to the urbane Mason. Even though Mason ultimately won the part over Merrill, he self-critically felt he didn't fully do the role justice (though many, including myself, wouldn't agree with him). Perhaps the studio opted for Mason to bring out a sympathetic quality, because viewers do tend to forget the numbers of Allies who died directly because of the main character! Rommel was a great general for his energetic and ingenious tactics, not for (possibly) wanting Hitler killed.
Don't get me wrong; this movie is still a joy.