Rating:10/10
One of the best WWII movies that creat a bit of comedy in a dramtaic situation.  There were many scenes in which the characters named Animal and Harry really took the spotlight ot shine.  I believe that the man who portrayed Animal was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.  The comedy really comes from how the prisoners of war cope with their situations.  One of the funniest scenes that I ever seen was the German soldier playing volleyball with the POW's.  He was hilarious as he was acting like a little child whenever he got the ball over the net.  As far as the characters go, these are not your typical cliche characters.  They are seperate people who are very memorable and we were shown enough of them to keep out interest in them.  The only exception was William Holden's character of Sefton.  Sefton is considered the rat of the barrack group, as we are seeing him through the eyes of POW's.  We know he isn't, that is just the set up.  Holden did a great job for a character he didn't want to do, for a movie he didn't want to do.  What was even more amazing was that he won an Academy Award for his portrayal of this character.  That says something about his professionalism anyway, as he did do an excellent job.  The first half of the movie starts of as a comedy, but then the last hour of the movie turns more into a thriller and a classic mystery.  But while I was watching this, I just couldn't turn away.  The dialogue was quick and thoughtful.  This movie seems more fresh than most movies available today.  There is quite a twist at the end that I did not expect and was surprised by it.  An excellent black and white movie that is always at the top of my list for best movies.  Check this one out, you won't be disappointed.