The Hill (1965)

Directed by Sidney Lumet. Starring Harry Andrews, Sean Connery, Ian Bannen, Ian Hendry, Ossie Davis, Jack Watson, Roy Kinnear, Michael Redgrave, Alfred Lynch, Norman Bird.

Story of a clash among authorities and inmates in a British military prison in North Africa during World War II, centered primarily on a fierce battle of wills between tyrannical Sergeant Major Wilson (Andrews) and insubordinate prisoner Roberts (Connery). Based on a play by Ray Rigby, the narrative is driven far more by character than plot, providing ample opportunity for intense (and loud) personalities to ricochet off one another in the sweltering heat and cramped confines. The shouting frenzies can get monotonous at times (especially when talking points are repeated too often), but it’s mostly a gripping and potent drama, filmed with frequent close-ups in grimy black & white. Connery, taking a rather punishing break between Bond pictures, delivers one of his best performances here. Title refers to a large and steep man-made hill in the camp yard that prisoners are repeatedly forced to surmount.

80/100