Stalag (german for "prison") 17 is a surprisingly humurous film showing life behind enemy lines for the POW's captured during WW2. There are some wonderful moments in this film despite it's inherently dark theme, such as how the prisoners make the most of what little they have, how some cling on to their dreams (Animal's unflinching adoration of Betty Grable) and how others seem to just let them go. Billy Wilder manages to combine humour with drama and intensity with such ease and because his characters are so beautifully created you really do care what happens to them, making the scenes where they are in danger all the more nerve wracking to watch.

A fantastic film, and the perfect showcase for the cynical anti-hero that William Holden plays so well in both this film and The Bridge on the River Kwai.

A must see film for fans of Wilder.