Operation Crossbow (1965)
I hate that feeling where a movie sounds like it might be good, or at least interesting, and then, well, its not. That’s what happened with Operation Crossbow, anyway.
Billed as a movie about a “top secret operation to infiltrate the Nazi’s secret rocket base!” turns out to be not much more than a rather dull attempt at intrigue or something. Probably more an excuse to get Sophia Loren on screen, in a sequence that takes far far too much screen time.
Part of the reason I watched this movie, was I had just finished watching the recent NOVA episode on the British recon photo experts and how they managed to deduce the locations and meaning of the V-1 and V-2 rocket sites. This seemed relevant. Well, I think I enjoyed the NOVA episode more.
Long story short, American Curtis (George Peppard) and Brit Lindemann (Trevor Howard) infiltrate the base disguised as scientists. They (of course) manage to expose the position of the base exactly as British bombers make their run. Of course this is at the cost of their own lives. Making it all more dramatic I suppose.
Turns out “Crossbow” was actually the name of the over-arching operation against the German long-range weapons program, you can read about it here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Crossbow
As a movie, well, this movie anyway. I was pretty disappointed. It felt more like an episode of some 2nd rate 1960′s TV series to me. Your milage may vary of course…. Giving a 4/10… I just wasn’t feeling the love on this one.
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Operation Crossbow
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Eligible for free shipping!Description
Operation Crossbow was one among many ’60s films aiming, in the wake of The Guns of Navarone, to cash in on nostalgia for “the Good War” of 20 years earlier, plus snag a share of the spy-movie market stoked by James Bond…
DVD Information
Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Brand: Warner Brothers
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
Original Release Date:
Actors:
- Sophia Loren
- George Peppard
- Trevor Howard
Features
- A fearsome rumor reaches Britain’s World War II command. The Nazis are developing rocket technology that could rain death on London and, then, New York. Quickly, England develops a plan to send saboteurs into the sites manufacturing the rockets. Just moments after the carefully chosen commandos parachute into the drop zone, their pilot receives an urgent message. The mission may be compromised. Ab
Reviews
Summary: I hate that feeling where a movie sounds like it might be good, or at least interesting, and then, well, its not. That's what happened with Operation Crossbow, anyway.
2.0
About the Author
Chris I've been watching war movies for probably 25 years now. Since December 2006 I've been sharing my habit and passion for these movies here on this site.
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one of my favorite movies with george peppard.