The McKenzie Break

The McKenzie Break is a very good film that explores the inner workings of an allied controlled WWII POW camp. The first time I ever saw the film was late night television in the late 80s when I was taking a college history course that required original research work; wound up interviewing former German POWs that remained in the U.S. after the war. I was intrigued by the fresh perspective the film offered. When I saw the DVD advertised on Amazon, I bought it to see if after two decades I still thought it was a good film. Yes, still an impressive film. I debated whether to give it a four star rating or a five because I thought the exchange between the two main characters should have been more fully developed and the final scenes seemed overly contrived. Don't want to give away anything that'll spoil the film for the first time viewer, but here it goes.At the time I don't think any films existed examining allied POW camps. I even asked the real former POWs if the film's take on things was remotely possible. None of the individuals I interviewed saw the film, so I had to infer from their descriptions of life in the camps as to whether the film was plausible. Also, learned that the story the film was based on actually did occur in Canada where the allies were much less vigilant or concerned about enemy warships or U-boats approaching the north American east coast. Verdict: highly plausible. Although for an audience familiar with WWII only through film and perhaps a high school history text, setting the film in Scotland which had been closer to the European sphere of action may have seemed more believable.In the opening scenes, the German POWs sing 'Erika' a boisterous song which they accompany by rhythmically stamping their feet and rapping various utensils against tables and walls that recall metronome-like goose stepping nazi marches. The tension introduced through the song and the POWs' synchronized opposition to their captors sets the tone for the rest of the movie. The interaction between the Keith/Connor character, a kind of wily warden, and the Griem/Schlutter character, a hardened nazi sociopath, keeps the viewer on edge. There is an underlying tension in their exchanges that belies their reserved civility, somewhat reminiscent of the exchanges between the inspector and Raskolnikov in the novel 'Crime and Punishment'. Brian Keith (much underrated actor) plays his character well although he loses his Irish brogue from time to time which is a bit distracting. His Connor keeps Griem's Schlutter on alert and wary. Before Connor's arrival at the camp Schlutter was able to play Major Perry, the by-the-book camp commander, as he wished. With Connor Schlutter realizes his whole paradigm has to change.Helmut Griem has the hardest role in the movie, making a nazi sociopath interesting enough to keep watching through to the end of the film. Griem's Schlutter fascinates the audience. We are constantly hoping he will get his just deserts and waiting for him to show an inkling of human empathy which never happens. In fact, Schlutter becomes more criminal as the movie progresses. All in all, a very good film.

Excellent story of German POWs during WW2. In particular showing the dedication and fortitude of Germanys U-Boot Submarine men . Hard corps to say the least this branch of service had the highest casualty rate of any of German troops in WW2. Kapitän Schlütter (Helmut Griem), deserved Academy Award for his performance in this film he is that good. Perfectly cast as was Brian Keith as his hard drinking adversary. Filmed mostly along desolate Irish coast , follow Schlütter and his men as they make their escape. Highly recommended.

Mesmerizing, a little disturbing, and totally engrossing story brilliantly done.

You do not hear much about the Other prisons that housed the Germans. The movie about this British prison was interesting. I felt that the prisoners of this camp got away with too much. But this is a British outfit and they have always done things weird ( in my mind ) The movie is well done as you watch you keep thinking why do they let the Germans get away with what they do. It's the only time that I thought ill of the producers of this film. But it's based on a true story so if that's the way it actually happened then so be it. War buffs will like the ending and not like it. Mixed feelings on that issue. Over all good movie.

I would like to thanks to all the Amazon staffs for their fast and efficient services! More over it was in the very good packaging and condition. The picture quality was quite good too though it was an old film and the transfer on the DVD was excellent! The only thing I wanted to comment was the audio. Hardly hear the conversations and some of the action scenes. But then again I knew it was very old film. Probably they didn't add more enhanced digital audio upon the transfer.

Wasn't sure exactly what this was going to be. As it turned out, sometimes the English voices were Hard to understand what they were saying distracting from easily being able to follow what was happening. The ending was disappointing too. It just ended where there could have easily been more and concluded later. Overall, I wouldn't have wasted my money on this. It's certainly Not a 'Keep' item in my collection.

I'm not that big on war films, but I've always had a fondness for this dramatized account of an actual WWII event. Saw it again last month, and it was as good as ever! Great acting from all, but Brian Keith's performance was brilliant!

This is based on a real escape attempt in Canada in WW2. Some of the events have been Hollywooded, but it is an amazing film with a great cast.

bon film qui plaira aux amateurs du genre !

A very good wartime flic.. it is realistic.. not over the top special effects or gruesome battle scenes often associated with the genre of modern war movies. Very believable plot and the acting carried this movie. Highly recommended and suitable for all ages 14+. Brian Keith is superb in this role as a crusty no nonsense officer with the British Army.

great movie

Ce film est un pur film d'action dans un camp de prisonniers où sont emprisonnés des Allemands désirant s'évader et où, le Capitaine Irlandais souffle le chaud et le froid pour résoudre les problèmes. Très bon film.

Great war romp and a complete switch away from the norm. Brian Keith in a role he was born to play a hard drinking, irreverent, intelligence officer brought in to ensure order in a POW camp full of German prisoners.This sets him up against a devious adversary in the form a U Boat Captain who is planning an escape;Much of the plot is scene setting for the eventual escape scenes and the twist in the tail ending is superb. Love this film, it almost never gets an airing on TV which is what prompted me to buy it. Recommend to all.