Watch The McKenzie Break

The McKenzie Break is a thrilling war film from 1970 that stars Brian Keith, Helmut Griem, and Ian Hendry. The movie is set in a German P.O.W. camp during World War II and follows a group of Allied prisoners who devise a plan to escape. The movie takes place in 1942, and tensions between the prisoners and their captors are high. The story begins with the arrival of a new group of British prisoners led by Captain Jack Connor, played by Brian Keith. Connor is a tough and experienced soldier who immediately begins to plan an escape. He recruits Lieutenant Lutz, played by Helmut Griem, a German-speaking prisoner, to help them understand their captors and devise a way out.

The camp is run by the strict and harsh German commander, von Kleist, played by Ian Hendry. Kleist is suspicious of the British prisoners and keeps a close eye on them, often subjecting them to harsh punishments for even minor infractions. However, he is unaware of their escape plan, and his underestimation of their cunning will ultimately prove to be his downfall.

The prisoners' plan is complicated and involves a great deal of deception and cunning. They build a fake guard tower and tunnel to allow them to escape. The plan appears to be working until Kleist discovers the truth and launches a desperate counter-attack to stop the prisoners from getting away. In the climactic scene, the prisoners and their German captors engage in a thrilling showdown that will leave audiences on the edge of their seats.

One of the most impressive aspects of The McKenzie Break is the attention to detail in recreating the historical context of the film. The movie accurately depicts the conditions in the P.O.W. camps during World War II, and the dialogue is realistic and believable. The filmmaker's efforts to make the film as authentic as possible lend an added layer of tension and drama to the story.

The performances in The McKenzie Break are top-notch, particularly Brian Keith's portrayal of Captain Jack Connor. Keith is convincing as a tough and seasoned soldier who is determined to lead his men to safety. He imbues the character with a sense of honor and duty that is inspiring to watch. Ian Hendry's performance as the German commander is also noteworthy. He brings a sense of gravitas to the role, and his portrayal of Kleist is chillingly realistic.

One of the film's strongest points is the pacing. The McKenzie Break is a tense and exciting movie from start to finish. The director, Lamont Johnson, expertly balances action scenes with quieter character moments, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The film's score also deserves special mention. The music, composed by Dominic Frontiere, enhances the tension and drama of the movie and adds an extra layer of excitement to the action scenes.

Overall, The McKenzie Break is an excellent war movie that is sure to entertain fans of the genre. The film's attention to historical detail, top-notch performances, and expert pacing make it a standout in its category. While it may not be as well-known as some other classic war films, it is certainly deserving of more attention and praise.

The McKenzie Break is a 1970 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.