The Hill (1965)

In a North African military prison during World War II, five new prisoners struggle to survive in the face of brutal punishment and sadistic guards.

Director:

Sidney Lumet

Writers:

Ray Rigby (screenplay), Ray Rigby (play)

Stars:

Sean Connery, Harry Andrews, Ian Bannen

Won 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 3 wins & 6 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Sean Connery	...	Joe Roberts
Harry Andrews	...	R.S.M. Wilson
Ian Bannen	...	Harris
Alfred Lynch	...	George Stevens
Ossie Davis	...	Jacko King
Roy Kinnear	...	Monty Bartlett
Jack Watson	...	Jock McGrath
Ian Hendry	...	Staff Sergeant Williams
Michael Redgrave	...	The Medical Officer (as Sir Michael Redgrave)
Norman Bird	...	Commandant
Neil McCarthy	...	Burton
Howard Goorney	...	Walters
Tony Caunter	...	Martin

Storyline

World War II, in a British disciplinary camp located in the Libyan desert, prisoners are persecuted by Staff Sergeant Williams (Ian Hendry), who made them climb again and again, under the heavy sun, an artificial hill built right in the middle of the camp. Harris (Ian Bannen) is a more human and compassionate guard, but the chief, R.S.M. Wilson (Harry Andrews), refuses to disown his subordinate Williams. One day, five new prisoners arrive. Each of them will deal in a different way with the authority and Williams' ferocity.

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Plot Keywords:

punishment | british military | military prison | heat | humiliation | 

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Taglines:

They went up like men! They came down like animals!

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Alexander Mackendrick was originally attached to direct.

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Goofs

Late in the movie, RSM Wilson circles the broken Tpr Roberts delivering a motivational barracking, the camera following Wilson through 360 degrees.

The sequence is preceded by a long shot of Wilson and Roberts surrounded by ten yards of empty desert.

As Wilson utters the words "You'll double, drill, do anything...", the camera pan reveals Sgt Williams standing a yard or two away, and Sgt Harris alone at the medical hut doorway in the distance.

After dealing with Roberts, Wilson turns to face the medical hut doorway, where Williams and Harris are standing side by side.

Wilson then summons Williams, who trots over to assume the position he was just seen in.

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Quotes

Regimental Sergeant Major Bert Wilson: Nobody's gonna put a medal on us. But get this straight - one job's as important as the next.

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Connections

Referenced in Zámek Nekonecno (1984)

User Reviews

"I am going to report this entire incident!"

It isn't often Sean Connery makes a film which becomes more memorable than his efforts to make it. Such is the way with a few he decided not mention in his filmography, such as "Safu." You must see it to realize that despite Connery, the film must have a true message. Such is the case with "The Hill." This film does have a message and it is harsh, brutal and to the point. The setting is a British military prison located in the desert and stocked with ex-soldiers who've been court martialed and now must be repatriated by backbreaking discipline, and grim punishment. With inmates coming and going at the prison, it is not too difficult to imagine a new lot which includes Joe Roberts (Sean Connery) a broken Sgt. Major. Pvt. Jacko King (Ossie Davis, who is superb in this role) Pvt. Alfred Lynch, (George Stevens) Pvt. Monty Bartlett (Roy Kinnear) and Pvt. Jock McGrath (Jack Watson). These men and others are new inmates and are pitted against the ruling officers who, will receive as much as they give. This includes the governing Non-commission staff like, Royal Sgt. Major Bert Wilson (Harry Andrews, superb acting) and Sgt. Harris (Ian Bannen) who despite their station are set to collide with each other as well as with the prisoners. Upon entering the prison, the audience is allowed to see how the men will be affected as they are introduced to the punishing ordeal of . . . The Hill. ****

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 June 1965 (UK)

Also Known As:

The Hill

Filming Locations:

Málaga, Andalucía, Spain

Box Office

Budget:

$2,500,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), Seventh Art Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1