BBC viewers are in for a cinematic treat this evening as the broadcaster airs a legendary piece of Hollywood history. The classic 1961 war adventure 'The Guns of Navarone' is scheduled for BBC2 at 5:30pm on Saturday, January 3. The film, renowned for its all-star cast and gripping narrative, remains a benchmark for the genre over six decades after its original release.
A Mission Against Impossible Odds
Directed by J. Lee Thompson, the film adapts Alistair MacLean's novel of the same name. The plot is a high-stakes World War II thriller set in 1943. It follows a team of Allied saboteurs tasked with a near-suicidal mission: to infiltrate a heavily fortified Nazi-held Greek island and destroy two gigantic long-range field guns. These weapons are preventing the rescue of 2,000 trapped British soldiers on the nearby island of Kheros.
The commando team is a blend of formidable personalities. It includes American Captain Keith Mallory, played by Gregory Peck, and British Corporal Miller, portrayed by David Niven. They are joined by Greek resistance fighter Andrea Stavros (Anthony Quinn) and a reluctant explosives expert. The mission, led initially by Major Franklin (Anthony Quayle), sees the men battling stormy seas and sheer cliffs before internal conflicts and the harsh realities of war threaten to derail their objective entirely.
Acclaimed Cast and Lasting Legacy
The film was a monumental success upon its debut. It became the second highest-grossing film of 1961 and received several Academy Award nominations. It clinched the Oscar for Best Special Effects, a testament to its impressive technical achievements for the era. The cast is rounded out by other notable figures like Richard Harris, adding to the film's enduring prestige.
Critical acclaim has stood the test of time. The Washington Post praised it as "a magnificently detailed cliff-hanger," while the Los Angeles Times hailed it as the year's best adventure movie. Today, it holds a 92% 'Fresh' rating on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. The site's critics' consensus highlights the film's "memorable stars" and "impressive sense of scale," noting how it "fires with vivid characterisation and entertaining spectacle."
What Modern Audiences Say
Viewers continue to champion the film's qualities. One recent review described it as "movie-making at its best: extensive sets, fantastic acting, and a story that keeps you engaged for two-and-a-half hours 60 years later." Another praised its unflinching look at warfare, stating it "doesn't shy away from the harsher side of war" and avoids glamorising conflict, which elevates it above standard adventure fare.
They appreciated how the film, made by a creative team for whom the war was a recent memory, carries an authentic "emotional residue" of the period. However, not all feedback is uniformly positive; some modern viewers find the pacing deliberate, with one noting "inordinately long" exposition and setting shots.
Despite these minor critiques, 'The Guns of Navarone' is widely regarded as a pinnacle of classic war cinema. Its blend of stellar performances, directorial prowess, and a timeless story of sacrifice and mission ensures its place as a must-watch. For those seeking a Saturday evening of epic, character-driven drama, BBC2's broadcast offers the perfect opportunity to experience this Hollywood legend.
