The 1944 Allied landing in Normandy, known as D-Day, stands as one of the most complex and spectacular military operations of the Second World War. However, historians continue to debate whether the Normandy invasion was the most decisive battle of the war and whether it truly saved Europe from Nazi domination. What is beyond dispute is that this pivotal moment in history later provided a lifeline to a major Hollywood studio facing financial ruin. The 1962 epic film The Longest Day not only captured the essence of the battle but has also been hailed as one of the grandest war films ever produced.
The Longest Day is based on the best seelling 1959 book by Cornelius Ry, which meticulously chronicled the events leading up to and including D-Day. Ryan, an Irish journalist, would go on to write several other significant works about World War II, including A Bridge Too Far in 1974, which focused on Operation Market Garden and was later adapted into a film in 1977.
Darryl F. Zanuck was the driving force behind The Longest Day. As a producer and former studio mogul, he recognised the need for a major production to salvage 20th Century Fox from impending bankruptcy due to the disastrous and bloated production of Cleopatra. Understanding the complexities involved in depicting such an extensive military operation, Zanuck made a strategic decision to segment the production into various parts that would portray the battle from multiple national perspectives. This approach led to three directors being involved: Ken Annakin for the British and French segments, Alexander Marton for the American perspective, and Bernhard Wicki for the German viewpoint. This collaborative effort allowed for a more nuanced representation of the events surrounding D-Day.
The screenplay for The Longest Day, adapted by Ryan with contributions from four other writers—including renowned French novelist Romain Gary—follows a tripartite structure that mirrors the book's layout. The first segment sets the stage for the battle, showcasing how German commanders like Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt (played by Paul Hartmann) and Field Marshal Erwin Rommel (played by Werner Hinz) were aware of an impending Allied invasion but were divided on where it would occur. As weather conditions delayed the launch, General Dwight Eisenhower (played by Henry Grace), supremer commander of Allied forces, ultimately made the critical decision to proceed with the invasion at Normandy.
The second act unfolds during the early hours of June 6th, depicting British and American airborne troops landing behind enemy lines to secure vital positions. The third part focuses on the landings themselves, which proceeded relatively smoothly on four out of five designated beaches. However, at Omaha Beach, American forces faced fierce resistance from well-prepared German defenses, suffering heavy casualties until General Norman Cota (played by Robert Mitchum), assistant commander of 29th Division, rallied his troops to break through.
While The Longest Day runs for nearly three hours, it does not attempt to provide a comprehensive depiction of every aspect of D-Day. Instead, it utilises a vignette-like structure that allows various characters—many portrayed by notable actors in brief cameos—to offer insights into different facets of the operation. This method effectively conveys key historical anecdotes and events from that day, such as the confusion experienced by US paratroopers around Sainte-Mère-Église and British paratroopers securing Pegasus Bridge. To enhance audience understanding, titles identifying historical figures and their ranks are interspersed throughout the film. This technique serves not only to inform viewers but also to ground them in historical context.
Significantly, The Longest Day benefitted from meticulous research; many prominent participants from both sides served as technical advisors during production. Notably, British actor Richard Todd portrayed Major John Howard—his own commanding officer during the actual attack on Pegasus Bridge—adding a layer of authenticity to his performance. The inclusion of veterans in both advisory roles and acting positions underscores Zanuck’s commitment to creating an accurate representation of events.
One of The Longest Day's defining characteristics is its vast ensemble cast featuring some of Hollywood's biggest stars at that time. John Wayne took on the role of US paratroop commander Benjamin H. Vandervoort while other notable actors included Henry Fonda and Robert Mitchum. To maximise box office appeal, Zanuck also incorporated popular young musicians like Paul Anka into the cast; Anka not only acted but also wrote and performed the film’s theme song.
Despite facing limitations in securing cooperation from various governments and having a modest number of soldiers available as extras, The Longest Day presents impressive visuals that capture the scale of D-Day. The battle sequences are filled with action and drama; however, some critics have noted that scenes depicting Omaha Beach appear less impactful compared to the similar scenes in Saving Private Ryan. Nevertheless, one standout sequence features Free French commandos attacking German positions in Ouistreham—this scene is particularly notable for its aerial shots taken from helicopters that enhance its grandeur.
A distinctive choice made by Zanuck was filming The Longest Day in black-and-white—a decision that may seem unconventional given that many epic films of that era were produced in colour. Zanuck explained that this choice aimed to evoke memories of wartime experiences as seen through 1940s newsreels. While this stylistic risk could have alienated contemporary audiences accustomed to colour films, it ultimately paid off; The Longest Day became a significant box office success and played a crucial role in ensuring Fox's survival as a major studio, resulting in many big budget epics in years to come. One of them was Tora! Tora! Tora!, which used similar formula to reconstruct Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Although some viewers may find fault with certain aspects—such as a perceived lack of context or an abrupt ending at D-Day—The Longest Day remains an exemplary blend of old school Hollywood spectacle with docudrama-like storytelling. By balancing entertainment with education about one of history's most significant military operations, The Longest Day serves not only as a cinematic achievement but also as a tribute to those who fought and died during World War II.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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