Five Graves to Cairo

Billy Wilder's best of Action/Thriller/Suspense WWII
Here's one of Billy Wilder's earlier works which has his magic touch - by far the best director Hollywood ever produced; an action-packed WWII thriller.
With a complete story, actors, scenery, photography, and drama and his intangible ability to draw you into the story without knowing it - and ring's every emotional nerve you have. A genuine genius at storytelling and beautiful workmanship to look at.
Franchot Tone, one of the cruelly underrated finest actors and the breathtaking Ann Baxter will tear you apart.
Superb supporting cast of Eric Von Stroheim (sp), and Akhim Tamiroff (sp) et al, all make this thriller spin together seemlessly. A genuine suspense mystery with the threat of action everywhere. One of my favorites.
The stunning and exceptionally talented very young Ann Baxter is delicious and excellent, as also in the Fighting Sullivans and The Razors Edge (an oscar). Gawd she was lovely.
Don't miss this. You'll also get a taste of Billy...

"FIVE GRAVES" TREASURE BURIED IN VAULT FOR YEARS, EXHUMED!
If you're a fan of the old WWII era black & white historical dramas, you'll absoultely love this one. Filmed on a relatively low budget in one primary location, a hotel located near El Alamein and other desert battlefields that were traded back and forth between Allied and German forces. Directed by Billy Wilder, this is one of his best. Akim Tamiroff and Franchot Tone round out a cast with Ann Baxter and Erich Von Stroheim as Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox. Von Stroheim was given carte blanche to cast and train the German troops for the film, specifically their actions, behavior and wardrobe, right down to buttons on their uniforms. Everything had to be completely accurate. Wilder's economy of direction in this film permitted the actors to spread their wings as it were, to make beleivable characters shine within a somewhat claustrophobic interior set [location].

But don't take my word for it! SEE IT FOR YOURSELF! I've been trying to locate a Region 1 copy for...

A classic work of the times
This is one movie I recommend to everyone. It captures a period of WWII and simplifies good and bad. It's about the ordinary citizen making a small effort that will make a difference. My first exposure to Franchot Tone, whose intriguing character opposite Anne Baxter and Von Stroheim keeps you glued to the screen.

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