Cast
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Anthony Steel
as Lt Geoffrey Ainsworth
Jack Warner
as Capt Maddox
Robert Beatty
as Lt Jim Reed
Anton Diffring
as Capt Schultz
William Sylvester
as Texas
Eddie Byrne
as Joe
Guy Middleton
as Bongo
Paul Carpenter
as Fred
Michael Balfour
as Hank
Moultrie Kelsall
as Henry
Frederick Valk
as Camp Kommandant
Frederick Schiller
as Herman
Peter Jones
as Schoolie
Geoffrey Hibbert
as Cutter
Walter Gotell
as Feldwebel
Crew
Director
- Lewis Gilbert
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Lewis Gilbert has put together quite a good cast for this light-hearted wartime tale of POWs who find quite an innovative way of escaping and goon-baiting at the same time. Jack Warner ("Maddox") heads up the Allied side while Frederick Valk the Nazi one - and battle commences. The allies have a secret weapon - well, two actually. One is "Ainsworth" (Anthony Steel) who invents the other - "Albert" - a head made of papier-mâché that fits onto a collapsible torso built to fool the guards during their routine inspections. After a few mishaps, a bit of bribery, betrayal and some impatience, it finally falls to "Ainsworth" to try and escape... This has a strong cast - including Anton Diffring and Robert Beatty, and is written with serious intent but enough dark humour to flow well for 90 minutes, and I really quite enjoyed it.
Nov 14, 2022
Thematic Analysis
Albert R.N. represents a fascinating example of War/History cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Lewis Gilbert brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1953, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Albert R.N. took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 113 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 434 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 72 unique compositions.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.
Historical Context
- In 1953, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Albert R.N. shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Rescue Dawn, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Albert R.N. subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Uncommon Valor and A Night to Remember explore similar territory, Albert R.N. stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 23, 1953
- Runtime: 1h 28m
