A few weeks before the start of the largest amphibious military operation in history, on June 6, 1944, German General Erwin Rommel, in charge of Army Group B based in Normandy, wrote to his wife. “The Allies must land, that is a fact. But the 24 hours before the invasion will be of the essence. It will be the longest day for us as Allies…” Words that have since entered history.
It is also the name of the film released in 1962, which greatly contributed to the popularization of the landings and the events related to the Battle of Normandy. Based on Cornelius Ryan’s bestseller, it doesn’t shy away from factual errors, and sometimes feels like it’s retelling a token (but authentic) sequence of anecdotes/events with a Hollywood casting interpretation that makes you pale.
It’s very simple, it’s a real who’s who of the 7th art: Robert Mitchum, Henry Fonda, Robert Ryan, John Wayne, Richard Burton, Peter Lawford, Robert Wagner, Rod Steiger… mixed with French actors like Burville or Christian Marquand . .
choral work, the longest day It was produced by five directors. Andrew Marton directed the American scenes; The British part was directed by Ken Anakin; Bernhard Wieck handled the German sections and Elmo Williams coordinated the fights. Darryl F. Zanuck, the film’s producer, also shot several scenes.
From Normandy… to Corsica!
Filmed in France (for example, the landing scene on Omaha Beach was shot on the Corsican coast, and the interior scenes were shot in Boulogne-Billancourt), the film remains, despite some reservations, a model of international co-production.
Made for a then colossal $10 million, making it one of the most expensive black-and-white films ever financed, it is also one of the first major World War II films to have actors deliver their lines in the original language.
The film’s release in France in September 1962 was celebrated with great fanfare at the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, with the high patronage of the French government headed by General de Gaulle and the participation of Edith Piaf. Movie song and national anthem at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.
huge success at the box office, the longest day Amassed 11,906,000 records in France. A success with the public that never wavered, to the extent that the film remains an indestructible classic in the annual broadcast of television channels.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
