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, who made them climb again and again, under the heavy sun, an artificial hill built right in the middle of the camp. Harris is a more human and compassionate guard, but the chief, S.M. Wilson, 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

Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 June 1965 (UK)

Also Known As:

La colina de la deshonra

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Sidney Lumet used three wide-angle lenses: a 24mm, a 21mm, and an 18mm. He deliberately wanted distortion in the faces, even the close-ups.

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Goofs

When Staff Sgt. Williams "introduces" the five prisoners to the hill, he refers to the "north face" but from the shadows, it's clear that it's really the south face.

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Quotes

[Jacko has defiantly ripped off his uniform]
Sergeant Charlie Harris: You're going into the Commandant's office dressed like this, lad?
Jacko King: Unless you've got a top-hat, and a bone to put through me nose. That's the way you white folks think we done dress at home.

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Connections

Referenced in Making 'Murder on the Orient Express' (2004)

User Reviews

Maybe Connery's Best

Gritty emotional story of men being subjected to ill treatment at a British Army disciplinary camp in the desert. Human drama is of interest to anyone who has been a cog in a corporate machine, not just a veteran. Symbolic of human defiance in the face of rigid rules and inconsiderate authority.

Excellent cast takes every opportunity of limited time frame to give their characters amazing depth. Every character is fully realized and recognizable by anyone who has a few tough life experiences.

Naturally as good as the other actors are, the focus will always be on Connery's screen presence. Here he seems to be portraying his true personality, his face never suited Bond as much. Tough, self respecting and self disciplined sergeant who resolves not to lose his dignity in the face of harsh cruelty. This is an amazing performance, and it's too bad we don't use men like this as role models in modern American society.

As good as the performances are, the best thing about this film is the photography---check out the 360 degree camera movement during the opening sequence. It's a masterpiece which is rare to see even today.