The Bottom Line:

Though a brief description of the plot (a desperate scheme to assassinate Churchill) might make the Eagle Has Landed seem silly or obvious, the movie is in fact a skillful and fast-moving thriller that is well-worth watching.

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Even though this WW2 espionage drama is well made and completely engrossing, it's a hard picture to embrace...primarily because there is nobody in it that you can like and want to root for during the first hour or so.

True, Michael Caine and Robert Duvall play "good Germans"; honorable soldiers who detest Hitler and his policies, but are sworn to do all they can for their country. And, Donald Sutherland, who works for the German cause, is an Irishman, dedicated to the bringing about of a United Ireland by any means possible.

Still, these guys are out to either kidnap or kill Winston Churchill...and what viewer wants to see that happen?

We don't meet the story's "hero" until the film is more than half over. He's Treat Williams, playing an American Army captain stationed in rural England, who discovers the nefarious plot and tries to thwart it.

The film, directed by John Sturges, is based on a Jack Higgins' best-selling novel and, although I've never read it, my hope is that the Williams character makes his appearance much earlier in the book than he does on film.

The movie co-stars Jenny Agutter, Donald Pleasance, Anthony Quayle and Jean Marsh.

© Michael B. Druxman, author of ONCE UPON A TIME IN HOLLYWOOD

This movie is based on a great book by Jack Higgins.It really follows the book very well and the actors in the movie are believable in their roles. I highly recommend this movie and/or the same named book!

I watched this movie a long time ago and brought it out of my collection recently. I must say that it holds up very well. The casting is just perfect and Jack Higgins story is really entertaining. Michael Caine and Robert Duvall are both perfect for their parts and really chew up the scenes. Another stand out in a small role is Larry Hagman. This movie has plenty of intrique and action.

This is a great movie. I remember it as one of the first videos I ever watched.

In this movie a series of unconnected or coincidental events makes it possible for the Germans to kidnap Winston Churchill while he is near the coast. This movie has everything: espionage, drama, courage, romance, even humor. Well worth the time!