Cast
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Richard Conte
as Lt. Bradford
Rory Calhoun
as Sgt. Sean McAfee
Aili King
as Anna
Rada Đuričin
as Fulda
Relja Bašić
as Admiral Von Vogels
Abdurrahman Shala
as Kalich
Phil Brown
as Sgt. Turley
Demeter Bitenc
as Bell
Rick West
as SS Colonel Streich
Janez Vajevec
as Tanley
Boris Cavazza
as Leasco
Danilo Turk
as
Laci Cigoj
as Brucic
Crew
Director
- Richard Conte
Reviews
Wuchak
**_Hardened men on the coast of Slovenia opposing the German occupation during WW2_**
An American Lieutenant and sergeant (Richard Conte and Rory Calhoun) help Yugoslav guerillas in 1943 at the southern tip of the Gulf of Trieste. Their goal is to kidnap a German colonel in exchange for an American captain, who happens to possess strategic Allied plans.
“Operation Cross Eagles” (1968) was obviously influenced by “The Guns of Navarone,” just on a smaller budget with a Spaghetti Western edge. The focus is gritty action above dialogue, which results in several interestingly silent sequences. It was Conte’s first and last directorial effort. That’s a shame because he did an artistic job and was ahead of his time with the handheld "shaky cam" look.
If you’re in the mood for a flick along the lines of “The Heroes of Telemark,” "Hornets' Nest," “Hell River” and “Force 10 from Navarone,” it delivers the goods. While nothing stunning and too shallow, it’s dynamic and has its unique appeal.
The film is short ‘n’ sweet at 1 hour, 24 minutes, and was shot in Piran, Slovenia, which is on the coast of the Adriatic Sea by the border of northeastern Italy. Back then, it would’ve been northwestern Yugoslavia.
GRADE: B-
Feb 20, 2024
Thematic Analysis
Operation Cross Eagles represents a fascinating example of War 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 Richard Conte 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 1968, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Operation Cross Eagles took approximately 6 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 338 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The musical score contains over 45 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1968, when this film was released:
- The Vietnam War was becoming increasingly controversial.
- Counterculture movements were challenging traditional values.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Operation Cross Eagles shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Hell Squad, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Operation Cross Eagles subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Devils on the Doorstep and Secrets of War explore similar territory, Operation Cross Eagles stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: January 1, 1968
- Runtime: 1h 30m
Where to Watch
