Watch The Blockhouse

The Blockhouse is a 1973 war drama film featuring Peter Sellers, Charles Aznavour, and Jeremy Kemp. Directed by Clive Rees, the movie tells the story of a group of French construction workers who are forced to bunker in an underground blockhouse during the German occupation of France in World War II. Set in Brittany, France, the film follows the story of the construction workers who are working on a project to build a power station on the coast. At the start of the movie, the workers are shown constructing an underground blockhouse, which they use as a shelter when the Allied forces bomb their area.

However, after the Germans invade France, the construction workers find themselves trapped in the blockhouse with limited supplies, no communication with the outside world, and no idea of how long they may need to stay underground. As the men start to suffer from boredom, claustrophobia and hunger, they are forced to confront the challenges of surviving in the confined space.

Peter Sellers plays the lead role of Rouquet, the construction manager who takes on the responsibility of ensuring that the men survive. He is joined by Charles Aznavour, who plays Gomez, an elderly worker who acts as a mentor to the younger men in the group, and Jeremy Kemp, who plays De Schulz, a German officer who is in charge of the blockhouse's construction.

As time passes, the men begin to experience disputes about rations, hygiene, and the possibility of escape. They are plagued by uncertainty and fear, as they are unable to see what is happening outside the blockhouse. The movie, although primarily about the French resistance, also shows a human side, including themes of comradeship, hope, and survival.

The Blockhouse is a stark depiction of life during wartime, showing the extent people will go to in order to survive in impossible situations. The movie is gritty and realistic, depicting the struggles of ordinary people during the hardships of war.

Despite being a drama, The Blockhouse does have moments of levity, primarily through Peter Sellers' performance, which includes some humourous moments, such as Rouquet trying to repair a radio that he knows doesn't work.

Overall, The Blockhouse is a powerful movie that offers a compelling study of human behaviour in wartime, and how people can persevere when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds. The stellar cast and direction make this a classic of its time and well worth checking out for those interested in war dramas or films about the human condition.

The Blockhouse is a 1973 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.8.