WWII Movie Review: "The Longest Day"

It is 67 years to the day that Allied troops landed on the beaches of Normandy, France in what was then the largest amphibious landing operation in history. Today, many across the world remember this day for what it signified in bringing about the end of Hitler's Germany, and remember those who gave their lives on this day. Over the years, many films have portrayed the events leading up to and including the Normandy landings, for more information look for the blog post entitled 'Operation Overlord'. Many people think of the film "Saving Private Ryan' as a quintessential film portraying the Normandy landings in every detail. However, there is another film much older than "Saving Private Ryan", which doesn't include Tom Hanks, but is a great movie nonetheless: "The Longest Day".

The film was made in 1962, and was based of the book written by Cornelius Ryan written in 1959. Only a decade or so after the actual event, many of the film's consultants were actual participants in D-Day. The film portrays the events leading up to the invasion from both sides. It shows the Germans preparing the fortifications of the beaches, in what Hitler called Fortress Europe. It also shows the Allies in their preparations, wrinkling out certain details and most importantly waiting for good weather.

The film portrays certain key players on both sides such as General Erwin Rommel, who was in command of Army Group B, which was held up north of Normandy because Hitler believed the Allied misinformation that the main invasion would come at the Pas de Calais. Also seen is Brigadier General Theodore Roosevelt Jr, played by Henry Fonda, deputy commander of the 4th Infantry Division who insisted on going ashore with the men.

This movie has been noted numerous times for its all star cast, with such notables as John Wayne as Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoor, Sean Connery as a British private, Robert Mitchum as Brigadier General Norman Cota, Robert Ryan as Brigadier General James Gavin, Richard Burton as an RAF pilot, even Richard Beymer of "West Side Story" fame plays a private with the 82nd Airborne Division. All of these characters come together in a spectacular portrayal of the events of June 6, 1944.

This movie also illustrates many problems faced by both sides during the operation. For example, when the Allies landed, the Germans wanted to move the reserve panzers to the front, but this required Hitler's approval and Hitler had just taken a sleeping pill, and the German High Command swiftly replied "The Fuhrer is not to be woken!". Also, the airborne landings planned by the Allies were for the most part off target. Units were scattered and some even landed right on top of German positions, only to be promptly shot while descending.

Overall, this film may not resonate with younger audiences because of it being in black-and-white, it may not have much gore and the acting may be seen in some places as crude, but put all of these aside and you will see that it is a wonderful film and one for anyone who appreciates a good war movie. Until next time, take care, and thank you.

This feature is intended to serve as a review of films portraying World War II; to analyze their portrayal of events, their historical accuracy, and what might have been different from actual events.