Cross of Iron **** (1977, James Coburn, Maximilian Schell, James Mason, David Warner) – Classic Movie Review 8358

Director Sam Peckinpah’s distinguished 1977 war film Cross of Iron is a tough and compelling dissection of the German military mind, seen through the eyes of four men in bloody battle against Russia in 1943.

They are cynical sergeant Rolf Steiner (James Coburn), medal-obsessed commander Hauptmann (Captain) Stransky (Maximilian Schell), hardened colonel Oberst Brandt (James Mason) and young captain Hauptmann Kiesel (David Warner).

Maximilian Schell in Cross of Iron (1977).

Peckinpah’s belated first war movie is distinguished by sturdy acting, especially by the excellent star quartet, and fine fighting sequences, notably the tank battles at the end of the film.

More downbeat and intelligent than exciting, Cross of Iron is a grimly realistic war film.

Also in the cast are Senta Berger, Klaus Löwitsch, Vadim Glowna, Dieter Schidor, Fred Stillkrauth and Roger Fritz.

A sequel called Sergeant Steiner [aka Breakthrough] was ordered in 1979, directed by Andrew V McLaglen. Coburn intended to reprise his Cross of Iron role as Steiner, but pulled out at the last minute and was replaced by Richard Burton.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 8358

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