Forgotten and ‘powerful’ war film starring Michael Caine on BBC tonight | Films | Entertainment

A wartime thriller hailed by cinema enthusiasts as ‘powerful’ and ‘superb’ graces BBC4 screens this evening.

The Eagle Has Landed, originally released in 1976 and re-issued in 2017, boasts an impressive ensemble cast including Michael Caine, Donald Sutherland, and Robert Duvall, alongside Jenny Agutter, Donald Pleasence, and Treat Williams.

Set during World War II, the plot follows Nazi officer Max Radl (Robert Duvall) as he concocts an audacious scheme to kidnap or assassinate the British Prime Minister.

With approval from German Commander Heinrich Himmler (Donald Pleasence), the operation proceeds under the leadership of Col. Kurt Steiner (Michael Caine), assisted by Liam Devlin (Donald Sutherland), an Irishman harbouring deep resentment towards England.

Initially, the mission appears to progress smoothly, but unexpected developments soon jeopardise the team’s chances of triumph, reports <a href=”https://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/hidden-gem-war-film-packed-36503756″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>the Mirror</a>.

The narrative reportedly mirrors the actual German operation that liberated Mussolini from Gran Sasso in 1943.

Upon its initial 1970s release, the film achieved remarkable commercial success and attained cult status, particularly praised for its tension and character development.

Critical acclaim from moviegoers has been overwhelmingly positive, with the production securing a 71% rating on film review platform Rotten Tomatoes.

One glowing five-star assessment said: “Its a brilliant lazy afternoon war film packed with actors you recognise and a wonderful performance from Larry Hagman.”

Another viewer added: “Watched the film for the first time recently. It was better than I thought. Great cast and moves quickly.

“This is as much a thriller as a ‘war movie’,” said one viewer. “It has great characters, a wonderful soundtrack and has an authentic vibe throughout. Suspect negative reviews are from gamers. This film requires thought and attention to fully enjoy. The book is Higgins best and is a really enjoyable read.”

Another added: “A powerful beginning, great build-up, an interesting side-story to keep us interested and great finishing action sequences make for a World War II movie that is well worth seeing, even if it wraps up rather anti-climactically.”

A fellow fan wrote: “Another superb film, with Michael Caine in top form. Many great performances in this one.

“Michael Caine and Robert Duvall are two of my favourite actors of all time and yet somehow, Donald Sutherland totally steals the show. Awesome story out of the WW2 era. Not your typical boring war movie either,” praised another. One more added: “This is one of those movies that somebody tells you exists, and you don’t believe it exists, and then you see it, and you don’t believe it exists. Starring Michael Caine as The Nazi with a Heart of Gold.”

Another cinema fan posted: “Based on a Jack Higgins book (which I loved), it is a good ensemble based World War II about the German plot to kidnap Winston Churchill. Neat that it is told from the German’s point of view. Ending could be better bit overall if you like films like The Dirty Dozen or The Great Escape, then give this a go. A young Michael Caine is good but Donald Sutherland steals the show.”

The Eagle Has Landed airs on Thursday 8 January on BBC4 at 10.30pm.