The Desert Fox
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Movie Reviews of The Desert Fox
Movie Review: A classic film about the heroics of an honourable man
Summary: 5 Stars
While this 1951 biographical film on WWII German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel is stylistically dated, "The Desert Fox" is a decent enough documentary about key moments in his life between 1941 to 1944.
Based on the research undertaken by Michael Rennie, who was a POW in North Africa when he first encountered Rommel, he relates how his travel to Germany after the war and interviews with family members and soldiers who served under him influenced his quest to discover the truth behind Rommel's death. From there, the film attempts to probe how and why Rommel became a conspirator in Adolf Hitler's assassination.
Although filmed six years after the WWII, "The Desert Fox" is surprisingly respectful in its treatment of Rommel. He is portrayed as an honourable man who fought for his country's cause, but then realised he had to correct Hitler's misuse of power, disregard for life and dishonour of Germany.
As for the cinematography, I found the weakest scene in the film was in the opening when British commandos attempted to assassinate Rommel in 1941; it is set on a film stage and looks it. Otherwise, the historical footage of some of the battles in North Africa, the Atlantic fortifications and D-Day are appropriately segued to his life and lend authenticity. There are even brief glimpses of Generals Eisenhower and Patton, as well as then British Prime Minister Churchill's tribute honouring the heroics of Rommel.
James Mason's portrayal of Rommel is superb. Jessica Tandy as Rommel's dutiful and supportive wife is passable, although it's certainly not her finest performance.
The digital transfer of this B&W film looks fine.
Movie Review: The Fox!
Summary: 5 Stars
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel (James Mason), better known as "The Desert Fox" was a very popular and respected German soldier in WWII! The film pays tribute to Rommel and is a superb tribute about Rommel's life as General, husband and father. Rommel was a huge believer in tactics and won many early victories as the film shows, not all in great detail, but enough to get the point across. As the film begins at the begining of WWII, Rommel took control of the Afrika Korps, and they would take total control of North Africa. But then the tide would turn, and the Germans were defeated. Somewhat defeated but not totally lost Rommel is put in charge by Hitler (Luther Adler) to take over the Atlantic Wall. He orders it to be built up to such military power that the Allies will be pushed back into the sea and be defeated. As this happens the film picks up. The D-Day Invasion is one of the high points of the film. But it does not fail after that. Something just as important to Rommel as the Atlantic Wall, is taking Hitler out of power and this seems to be a must, not an option. So along with others that believe the Fuhrer must be taken out of power, they plot to assassinate him. But it fails and Hitler goes after everyone that might be against him. In the end Rommel himself is targeted and must either take poison and save his family and reputation or die a slow death. So Rommel puts on his best uniform and bids farewell to his wife (Leo G. Carroll). "The Desert Fox" is a must see as it is about a man who was loved by his fellow soldiers and was respected by those who fought against him during the war. Grade:B+
Movie Review: Symapthy forthe Devil?
Summary: 5 Stars
A sympathetic portrayal of a leading Nazi, made in the 1950's?
It would require a brave studio, a brilliant script and a serious leading actor.
Fortunately, this thoughtful, interesting biopic has them all.
The first time we see the main character, he is a good distance away, deliberately
so, in the North African desert. Is this not the beauty of great acting? Even with this
distance shot, it is immediately apparent, simply from stance. `That's Rommel'.
Not James Mason, you understand, but Rommel.
We follow the Field Marshall from battle to his home, from the office of his supreme leader to the shores of France. Finally, to his suicide - it's that or face trial by Hitler for treason. And he is sympathetically played. There are some interesting super imposition shots of the actors over genuine footage, and of course, sets, props costumes etc are all totally authentic. The film looks and sounds great.
Jessica Tandy is totally convincing as Mrs Rommel and the entire cast is high quality.
There are even some laughs.
Particularly considering when this film was made, it is human, occasionally charming and
a thoroughly enjoyable watch.
`No petrol at all?'
`Not a pint!'
Paul
Beyond
Movie Review: James Mason in thie Role--Who Could Do Better?
Summary: 5 Stars
Erwin Rommel was a soldier's soldier, despite what one thinks about the ideology of the Third Reich--which he, apparently, did not until much too late in the game (e.g., he remained ignorant of the true purpose of the KZs, Konzentrationslagers or Concentration Camps until very late in the war).
As Field Marshall Rommel, much propaganda value came from his initial African exploits which led to a lavish State funeral long after the top brass considered him a traitor following the July 20, 1944 assassination attempt. And, of course, he missed the prediction of the Normandy Invation, which would have been a lasting legacy and perhaps an outcome-changing realization. However, the Reich's Atlantic Wall was simply spread too thin, and by the time he was assigned to assess its strenghts and weaknesses, it was far too late in the game.
Nonetheless, James Mason was an ideal pick around 1950 to play Rommel, so shortly after the war, and in context, it is eerily documentary-like.
The life of his son Mannfred, who became mayor of a major West German city, would be of equal interest....
Recommended.
Movie Review: Excellent portrayal of Rommel...The Desert Fox
Summary: 5 Stars
I didn't realize this movie was that old. 1951. I remember seeing this many years ago and always thought the movie did a pretty good job of how Erwin Rommel was portrayed. I thought Mr. Mason did an excellent job in this role, and thus is why I added this movie to my DVD collection.
It really portrays how disenchanted the German generals were getting at Hitler, and starts telling of all the plots to eliminate one of the most heinous war criminals to date...Adolph Hitler. I wish the movie did more to go into detail of Rommel's career, but I think the producer's or script writer jumps around and hits the highlights of the frustration Rommel was going through. It's as if Rommel is portrayed as a man trapped in his situation and must decide the fate of his Germany to join the resistance against Hitler or ignore it. So at the end they allow him to kill himself to save his family. I believe Hitler had a higher price to pay if at that point in time Germany found out the real death of Erwin Rommel.