In 1965, while bombing Laos in a classified mission, the propeller plane of the German-American US Navy pilot Dieter Dengler is hit and crashes in the jungle. Dieter is arrested by the peasants, tortured by the Vietcong and sent to a prisoner camp, where he meets five other mentally deranged prisoners and guards. He becomes close to Duane and organizes an escape plan; however, the unstable Gene opposes to Dieter's plan. When they discover that there is no more food due to the constant American bombings in the area and their guards intend to kill them, Dieter sets his plan in motion. However, an unexpected betrayal splits the group and Dieter and Duane find that the jungle is their actual prison.
Written by PHD, in CT USA
In the POW camp where Dieter Dengler was held, there were altogether 7 POWs. For story-telling purposes, this was cut down to 6. This is explained by Werner Herzog in his commentary.
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Goofs
Anachronisms:
In the supply scene, the supply sailors are wearing modern blue utility shirts that were not in use until the 1990s.
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Quotes
[first lines]
Title Card:
In 1965, few people believed that the still limited conflict in Viet Nam would turn into full scale war. / One of the first signs of what lay ahead was America's bombing of secret targets inside Laos. See more »
"Phantom of the Night"
Performed by Ernst Reijseger (as Ernst Reijseger) (Solo) Composed by Ernst Reijseger (as Ernst Reijseger) (BUMA) Published by Winter & Winter (GEMA) Ernst Reijseger appears courtesy of Winter & Winter, Munich, Germany
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