The 1979 film Escape to Athena is a British adventure film set during World War II on a Greek island that is occupied by the Nazis. The film tells the story of a group of Allied prisoners of war who are tasked with stealing a cache of Nazi gold from a heavily guarded monastery. They are aided by a group of Greek resistance fighters and a beautiful woman named Eleana.
The film is a fast-paced and exciting tale of adventure and intrigue. The group must use all of their skills and cunning to evade the Nazis and complete their mission. They face many challenges along the way, including treacherous terrain, Nazi patrols, and betrayal.
The film is visually stunning, with stunning cinematography of the Greek island setting. The action sequences are well-choreographed and exciting. The performances are all strong, with Roger Moore giving a particularly charismatic performance as the leader of the Allied prisoners of war.
Escape to Athena is a film that has something to offer everyone. It is a thrilling adventure story, a heartwarming tale of friendship and camaraderie, and a thought-provoking exploration of the themes of courage, determination, and the fight for freedom.
The film explores the following themes:
- The importance of teamwork and cooperation: The group must work together to overcome the many challenges they face.
- The power of courage and determination: The group is determined to complete their mission, no matter the cost.
- The dangers of greed and corruption: The Nazi gold is a temptation for some of the characters, but they ultimately resist it.
- The importance of fighting for freedom: The film is a celebration of the human spirit and the desire to be free.
Escape to Athena is a well-made and entertaining film that is sure to appeal to a wide audience. It is a film that is both exciting and thought-provoking, and it is a film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.
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Cast
- Roger Moore as Major Otto Hecht: an Austrian who is the Wehrmacht commandant of the POW camp, a former antiques dealer
- Telly Savalas as Zeno: the head of the Greek island's resistance movement
- David Niven as Professor Blake: senior British officer amongst the prisoners and a well-known archaeologist
- Stefanie Powers as Dottie Del Mar: an American USO artist (in fact, stripper), who was shot down with Charlie and detained in the POW camp
- Elliott Gould as Charlie Dane: an American comedian, USO performer and professional partner of Dottie
- Claudia Cardinale as Eleana: a local madame, girlfriend of Zeno
- Richard Roundtree as Sgt. Nat Judson: African-American POW and amateur magician
- Sonny Bono as Bruno Rotelli: an Italian POW, professional chef
- Anthony Valentine as Maj. Volkmann: SS officer, town commandant and Hecht's rival
- Siegfried Rauch as Lt. Braun: SS officer under Volkmann's command
- Richard Wren as Capt. Reistoffer: Volkmann's adjutant
- Michael Sheard as Sgt. Mann: Hecht's senior camp NCO
- Philip Locke as Colonel Vogel
- Steve Ubels as Capt. Lantz
- Paul Picerni as Zeno's Man
- Paul Stassino as Zeno's Man
William Holden makes an uncredited cameo as an American sergeant, commenting that he has not escaped as he has a comfortable life as a prisoner.
Director: George P. Cosmatos
Writers: Edward Anhalt, Richard S. Lochte
Box Office Gross: $850,000
Distributor: Associated Film Distribution
Release Date: 9 March 1979