Tag Archives: Stalag 17

“I don’t really know why, but danger has always been an important thing in my life – to see how far I could lean without falling, how fast I could go without cracking up.” — William Holden

Posted on April 17, 2025 by sheila

It’s his birthday today. Years ago, I wrote a long essay about William Holden for Slant, which focused a lot on his physicality (he was so athletic and he had great control). I really like that piece. I reiterated my … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, Movies, On This Day | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments

Talking 1953 movies with Jason Bailey and Mike Hull: A Very Good Year podcast

Posted on August 13, 2023 by sheila

My pal Jason Bailey and his pal Mike Hull host a fascinating podcast called A Very Good Year, which they describe as: “Each week we invite a guest (filmmakers and actors, critics and historians, comedians and musicians) who loves movies, … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

June 2023 Viewing Diary

Posted on July 2, 2023 by sheila

Succession (2018-2023) I finally watched, having somehow resisted the DEAFENING buzz over the last couple of years. I like Jeremy Strong, liked his small moment in Zero Dark Thirty, he totally stood out in The Big Short (directed by one … Continue reading →

Posted in Monthly Viewing Diary, Movies, Television | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Podcast: The Last Thing I Saw: Focus on Billy Wilder

Posted on August 18, 2021 by sheila

It was so much fun appearing on Nicolas Rapold’s “The Last Thing I Saw” to discuss Billy Wilder. The other guests were Farran Smith Nehme (a good friend of mine), and Steven Mears. The inspiration to discuss Billy Wilder was … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Directors, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

April 2021 Viewing Diary

Posted on May 2, 2021 by sheila

Jewel Robbery (1932; d. William Dieterle) This glittering pre-Code, starring William Powell as a jewel thief, and Kay Francis as a married woman in love with her jewels, is such a subversive delight. Powell is devastatingly charming and Francis is … Continue reading →

Posted in Monthly Viewing Diary, Movies | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Francois Truffaut on Sgt. J.J. Sefton in Stalag 17

Posted on July 21, 2009 by sheila

This is, perhaps, the best analysis of that character, played by William Holden, that I have ever read. Sefton is intelligent; that’s why he acts as he does. For the first time in films the philosophy of the solitary man … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors, Movies | Tagged , , , , | 21 Comments

Seeing Stalag 17 On the Big Screen:

Posted on July 15, 2008 by sheila

Tonight I joined up with my cousin Liam (full of frenzy about War and Peace – he’s about 100 pages ahead of me and his book has MAPS and lists of characters and I am tremendously envious of that), his … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

“There are two people in this barracks who know I didn’t do it. Me and the guy that did do it.”

Posted on June 22, 2008 by sheila

It’s a hot night. I’ve had a long day. So it’s time for more work on my 8th ongoing project. Here’s just a taste. I love this movie. And God, do I love his face. And. What might be my … Continue reading →

Posted in Actors | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

The Tone of Stalag 17

Posted on November 14, 2004 by sheila

What a strange movie. A comedy set in a German prison camp? Well, yes. That’s what it is. But, like with all of Wilder’s movies, he doesn’t sacrifice HEART in order to get the comedy. All those guys in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Movies | Tagged , , | 20 Comments