Eagles Over London
Italian war film about the Battle of Britain
Made in 1969, Eagles Over London is a World War 2 action thriller. The plot follows a group of German saboteurs disguised as a British platoon, who infiltrate Allied lines during the retreat at Dunkirk. Their mission is to destroy British radar stations along the South Coast, preparing the way for a German invasion. Captain Stevens; a heroic British-Hungarian played by Frederick Stafford, catches the scent and is on the German’s heels from the offset, leading to a cat and mouse chase through London where Captain Stevens doesn’t know who is friend or foe, as the fate of Britain sits heavily on his shoulders.
Even by modern standards, Eagles Over London is an energetic and fast moving film that launches the viewer right into the thick of the action. At times, the film is so absorbing that you may find yourself scrambling for your non existence safety harness during a dizzying airplane battle or brushing down your knees after an on-screen fire-fight.
Originally hired to direct only the special effect sequences, Enzo G. Castellari was made director of the project after the producers were taken aback by his pioneering split-screen techniques. Castellari’s near seamless blend of stock footage and special effects sequences proved not only hugely cost-effective, but also a highly original and invigorating style of dramatisation.
Eagles Over London was cited as one of Quentin Tarantino’s main influences for Inglorious Basterds and is a must see for any Spaghetti Western fans.
Re-released on Optimum Home Entertainment, Eagles Over is out to own on June 7th and the DVD includes a special conversation between Enzo G.Castellari and Quentin Tarantino.
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