Does Anyone Remember 'The Hill' with S. Connery?

[Cosmic]

I have had the impression that it was a film that kind of fell through the cracks and was forgotten in later years.

It is, however, one absolutely amazing and grueling prison film, done in '65 when Connery was just getting famous for 'Bond.' Directed by Sidney Lumet.

Shot in B/W in horrible heat in N. Africa, it shows a British WW2 prison in action. The Hill in the title is a huge sandpile in the middle of the yard that is used for punishment.....

I saw this one as a teenager on TV in Europe, and it wasn't until I caught it on VHS years ago from AMC that I had even seen it screened in the US.

So, just curious how such an interesting film can have such a low profile. If you like war-related films, definitely check it out. Ian Hendry plays a sadistic officer so well that you just want to shoot him on sight.

Anyone seen this one?

C.

[jimmymagick]

Great film.

I remember when it came out reading that he took the part because he was afraid of being type cast as James Bond. He was also criticized for not wearing his rug.

[Big Mac]

This is one of my favorite Connery films....extremely underrated and under appreciated!
I watch it every time it's on....but it is brutal...

[Toasted Almond]

I caught that film once on late night tv and was mesmerized.

[kgginslc]

I saw it a few months ago on AMC or Turner Classics. Fine movie with an ending that just leaves a bitter taste, as it was meant to I suppose.

[drknstrmyknight]

Wasn't The Last Castle a thinly veneered ripoff with Gandolfini and Redford?