The Hill (1965, dir. Sidney Lumet) [Out of Print]

The Hill (1965, dir. Sidney Lumet)

What Is It?: A WWII military prison drama about a cruel warden and his 5 new inmates. Currenty out of print on any format.

What About It?: A excellent addition to the prisoner-done-wrong/evil warden subgenre, this Sean Connery vehicle was intended to show the world his non-Bond range. And Connery does turn in a exemplary performance as a British Trooper who is thrown in the clink for striking an officer after rejecting his orders. Typically atypical early Lumet with marvelous claustrophobic camera work by Oswald Morris (who shot The Spy Who Came In From the Cold the same year) and choice editing reminiscent of the groundbreaking cutting on one of the Lost Classic's favorites, 1964's The Pawnbroker.

Why Should I See It?: For the tremendous performance of Connery, Ian Hendry as the maniacal guard, a young Ossie Davis (who the Lost Classic was unaware was ever young) and the titular Hill, looming over all of the inmates like an angry God. A true Lost Classic.

What Else Is It Like?: Full Metal Jacket (the first half), The Last Castle, The Music of Chance.

When Is It Showing Until ON DEMAND?: 9/15/06

Watch It ON DEMAND on Comcast cable.

--ddt/pdx

What's New This Tuesday (That's Worth Watching to One Degree or Another)?: Annie Hall, Mr. Mom, The French Connection, Cliffhanger, Brewster's Millions, Joe and Max.

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As a brief aside, the Lost Classic will now be updating every Tuesday (the day that ON DEMAND releases new movies) and Friday (to give you a movie to watch over the weekend).