Channel 4 viewers have named the 1968 war epic Where Eagles Dare the greatest war film ever made, praising its intricate plot, daring stunts, and standout performances from Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood.
The film, set in the Bavarian Alps during World War II, follows a team of Allied commandos on a mission to infiltrate a Nazi fortress. Written by Alistair MacLean, author of The Guns of Navarone, the script is packed with twists and double-crosses that keep audiences on edge.
One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer described it as 'perfect', noting: 'More plot twists in the last 20 minutes than a year's worth of movies! Still remember being on the edge of my seat during Clint and Richard's ride atop the lift.' Another viewer praised the film's pacing, saying: 'For its hefty runtime not once did it feel too long.'
While Eastwood plays American soldier Lieutenant Schaffer, many fans highlight Burton's performance as the film's true standout. 'As cool as Clint is, this is 100% Burton's film,' one reviewer wrote, adding that 'the stunt work is top notch along with a great soundtrack.'
Where Eagles Dare is available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer and to rent on other streaming services.
