Synopsis
This drama set during World War II in Algeria is based on a true and tragic incident. A French garrison has been demoralized by the strength of the German forces in the region, so when the Allies land, it gives them some hope. They are put under orders to take and hold a bridge, allowing no one to cross it. When a German company wants to use the bridge (peacefully), a narrow-minded French captain gives the orders not to let the Germans through. At first, the Germans are put off by a series of tricks, but that cannot last forever. Sooner or later, if the captain's orders are followed, an ill-equipped and outnumbered French unit will find itself up against the superior strength of the German contingent.
Credits
Director (1)
Actors (24)
Production and distribution (4)
- Executive Producers : Régis Films, Unidex, Lisa Films
- Foreign production company : Da Ma Produzione
- Film exports/foreign sales : Editions René Château
- French distribution : Unidex
Full credits (8)
- Author of original work : Charles Bourgeon
- Sound Recordist : Jacques Lebreton
- Screenwriters : Charles Brabant, Denys de la Patellière, Claude Barma
- Director of Photography : Ghislain Cloquet
- Production Manager : Jean Velter
- Editor : Claude Durand
- Production Designer : Jacques Paris
- Music Composer : Georges Auric
Technical details
- Type : Feature film
- Genres : Fiction
- Sub-genre : War
- Production language : French
- Coproducer countries : France, Italy
- Original French-language productions : Unspecified
- Production year : 1962
- French release : 20/04/1962
- Runtime : 1 h 40 min
- Current status : Released
- Visa number : 25042
- Visa issue date : 14/02/1962
- Approval : Unknown
- Production formats : 35mm
- Color type : Black & White
- Aspect ratio : CinemaScope
- Audio format : Mono