STEPHEN'S MOVIE GUIDE

A Bridge Too Far (1977)  

Filming took place in 1976. Actual Dakotas were procured, and many authentic WW II tanks, jeeps and trucks were found due to this being around the time many were being discarded from various European reserve units. The scenes at Arnhem bridge could not use the actual Arnhem bridge due to urbanization around the banks, so the bridge at the small town of Deventer was used, with some interiors shot at Twickenham Studios in London. The incredible cast agreed to be paid the same weekly fee to keep costs down. Shooting at Nijmegen Bridge was only allowed for one hour each day, resulting in that shoot being known as the Million-Dollar Hour. Members of the 1st battalion The Parachute regiment re-enacted the parachute drops, and in some cases people who were actually at the battle were not just advisors but played as extras in the movie – in at least one case actually wearing the same smock he wore in the battle. Michael Caine later talked about the movie, commenting how when he reached the line in his script, “Forward, March” he had the actual Lieutenant Colonel Vandeleur with him, so he asked him what he said and he was able to tell him the line which ends up in the movie – “Well, get a move on then.”.

In March 2022 Fede Alvarez was announced as the director of this latest Alien movie. He quickly made it clear he wanted to honour the original movies, while creating links to all the existing movies. This meant that for the eagle eyed there are references and Easter eggs to each of the previous movies, but primarily Alien and Aliens, with even the ‘black goo’ from Prometheus and Covenant playing a role. He went as far as including some references and taking inspiration from the game Alien: Isolation (2014), which similarly took place on board a damaged space station. The cast are largely little known, echoing the feeling from the first movie, that there was ambiguity over who would survive and who would not. Satisfyingly, many of the effects are practical and cgi used more sparingly than in, for example, Alien 3 and Resurrection. Director Alvarez sought out the crew of Aliens to maximise the sense of design continuity for the practical effects. Both Ridley Scott and James Cameron were apparently consulted on final designs, and gave approval.

Advisors during the movie included Brian Horrocks (Edward Fox), James M. Gavin (Ryan O'Neal), J.O.E. Vandeleur (Sir Michael Caine), John Frost (Sir Anthony Hopkins), and Roy Urquhart (Sir Sean Connery). Edward Fox was said to be good friends with General Brian Horrocks, and was determined to do his friend justice in his portrayal. Look out as well for one of the asylum escapers, wearing glasses – he is played by Richard Attenborough – an accomplished actor, this is the only time he plays any part in a movie he directed.

The composer of the music, John Addison, lobbied hard to create the score for the movie, despite John Williams having originally been offered composing duties (Williams declined, instead choosing to score a low budget sci-fi movie being directed by George Lucas that year). Addison had a personal link to the story, having been a member of XXX Corps during the operation. The result was a BAFTA award winning score.

The reaction on release was at best, luke-warm. Some critics referred to it as “A Film Too Long”, clocking in at just under 3 hours. That said, consensus was that the production was impressive, as were the performances. Although some of the historical accuracy has been challenged over the years, most agree it is an impressive testament to accurate re-enactment.

Controversy did follow, with friends of the late General Browning saying if he were alive he would have sued, and that he (Browning) was made the scapegoat in place of Montgomery, whose plan it was. It was felt if the attitude attributed to Browning had been portrayed as Montgomery, the production would have attracted too much ‘flak’ and potential law suits. Dirk Bogarde, who plays Browning, was upset at the portrayal, having known Browning personally, having been on Montgomery’s staff during the war. Bogarde was actually sent to Arnhem along with other intelligence officers, during the battle. Eisenhower himself said he didn’t just approve the plan.. he insisted on it, seeing the opportunity for a bridgehead over the Rhein as worth delaying other operations. Another issue that was raised was that the important, and heroic, role of the Canadians in the operation was downplayed. Instead the movie focusses more on the British and American forces, and on the tactical failings of the operation.

So here we are almost 50 years after the movie was first released, over 80 years after the battle. How does it stand up? It’s clear it is both an impressive salute to the bravery and commitment of the troops involved, and yet an anti-war movie as well. But is it a compelling and informative piece of entertainment, or is it an overlong series of vignettes? As always, my suggestion is to try watching it again, and make up your own mind!