The Bridge at Remagen (1969)

Context, folks, context

Unlike most if not all of the reviewers of this film, I saw it when it first came out in 1969. I watched it again (the DVD) just this month (Nov 08). Why? Because it stuck with me and I wanted to see it again.

I submit that any film that sticks with you for almost 40 years is a good film. Not necessarily a great film, but a good one.

It falls short of greatness due to a number of flaws. As other reviewers have pointed out, the film could have been more historically accurate and maintained its theme.

Lt Hartmann's walk to "capture" the bridge at the end is a hopelessly dopey Hollywood stunt. And though Segal heroically tries to make Lt. Hartmann work, he's basically a poor copy of Vic Morrow as the cynical but very competent Sgt. Saunders in the classic TV series "Combat."

Still, what most reviewers are missing is that "The Bridge at Remagen" was a courageous and risky effort when it came out. Those who compare it with "The Longest Day" or "A Bridge Too Far" are failing to notice that the former came out in 1962 and the latter in 1977. That's a gap of 15 years. Within it, very few WAR films were made. Why? Because Vietnam had wiped out the American filmgoing public's interest in WAR films.

When "The Bridge at Remagen" came out in 1969, it was the first WAR film since the beginning of the decade, before Vietnam took over the national consciousness, except for one or two mindless John Wayne vehicles. Lt. Hartmann's (Segal) exhaustion with "his" war and cynicism were a perfect reflection of the mood of most of the American public at the time.

And this was a year before Altman's "M.A.S.H.", which is largely touted as the first anti Vietnam War film.

Is "The Bridge at Remagen" flawed? Yes. Reflective of its time, and with a timeless message? Absolutely.

To me, therefore, it ranks among the 10 best WAR films made.






November 9, 2008

A good war movie but there is one hidden treasure..

This is one of my favorite war movies. It was a bomb when it came out and it appears infreguently on tv. I won't waste time telling you the plot because that is not what makes this movie special for me. It is music. This is one of Elmer Bernstien's best soundtracks. It is very hard to find this one and you can only find the opening in one place only. It is part of a group of war music themes called WAR. It very sad that this soundtrack isn't mention when people talk about Bernstien. This is the equal of his Magnificent Seven and once you hear it, it stays with you. The drums as the tanks roll to the bridge in opening is wonderful. So I am reccomending this movie for its music. Enjoy. June 22, 2008

Excellent acting and action

The true story about the Bridge at Remagen is a fascinating part of WWII history, and what a critical role it played in the Allies advance into Germany. This movie captures the stratetgy and heroism of both the Americans and Germans. It also reflects the all too common battle between officers and enlisted men. George Segal and Ben Gazzara give memorable performances (particularly at the hotel when they go after the sniper), as does Bradford Dillman. The actor who played the German officer who is in charge of the bridge tugs at the heart. But the performance that stands out for me is Robert Vaughn, as the perhaps too-dedicated Nazi officer. His final scene is perfectly underplayed and heartbreaking.

Good film. If you like war movies or just enjoy good performances and story lines, you should try this one. January 10, 2008

Powerful Second World War drama

The bridge over the river Rhine at Remagen is a key strategic objective for both US and German troops .It is the last bridge standing and US forces are ordered to seize the bridge to ensure smooth passage of men and materials into Nazi Germany itself .The job of leading the assault falls to the hard bitten and experienced Lieutenant Phil Hartman (George Segal) under the command of Brigadier General Shinner (E G Marshall).The German High Command ,in particular General Van Brock(Peter Van Eyck)instruct Major Krueger(Robert Vaughn)to destroy the bridge but he hesitates ,fearing that thousands of German troops will be trapped on the wrong side of the river and unable to return home. As Hartman and his men close in the battle is joined in earnest ,
The script -by Richard Yates and William Roberts -gives equal time to both sets of adversaries and points out the problems of communication which render both commanders on the ground uncertain at times of just what it is their superiors want of them .it is "talky"kind of war movie with the script being a great deal more cynical and barbed than most pictures of its type -in between the explosions there is a lot of disillusion being expressed by the soldiery on both sides and the Krueger character is a particular mouthpiece for this .However there is a lot of rousing action as well with the stunt work by future director Hal Needham being outstanding as is the Elmer Bernstein score.Veteran cinematographer Stanley Cortez handles the battle scenes brilliantly with shots that convey the awesome power of the weaponry deployed especially tanks .John Guillermin was a good director of action (for proof see the Towering Inferno and The Blue Max)

Performances are excellent especially from Segal and Ben Gazzara as ae sleazy GI .

Above average war movie this and one devotees of the genre should not miss November 28, 2007

Based on actual event

Although an actioneer, the movie sticks pretty close to the historical facts concerning the taking of the Remagen Bridge. Action fans will love all the tanks, jeeps and machine guns; but what sets the movie apart from being routine is the character development of both the American and German soldiers. July 18, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...