‘Masterpiece’ BBC war film based on book is ‘greatest ever made’ | TV & Radio | Showbiz & TV

Fans have continued to praise the “classic” war film as one of the “greatest war movies ever made” more than six decades after it was released. The 1962 American epic war film is based on Cornelius Ryan’s 1959 non-fiction book about the D-Day landings in Normandy on June, 1944. The five-star military movie starred a large international ensemble cast that includes John Wayne, Kenneth More, Sean Connery and Henry Fonda, just to name a few.

The Longest Day chronicles the events leading up to and on D-Day, June 6, 1944, from both Allied and German perspectives during World War II. It depicts the preparations for the Normandy invasion, the risky decision by General Eisenhower to proceed despite weather concerns, and the chaotic landings. One viewer branded the movie a “masterpiece” as fans continue to praise the war film.

While another echoed: “John Wayne made a lot of fabulous films, but this one is as magnificent.”

A second agreed: “I thought it was amazing. The incredible detail and brilliant cameos. It was tragic seeing the loss of life and carnage on the beaches. I am glad it was in black and white.”

“The cast is immense as the movie one of the greatest war movies ever made,” a third remarked.

A fourth added: “Great, great WW2 movie. fantastic cast, adapted from the Cornelius Ryan book. Follows dozens of characters in the US, German, British, and French sides. The black and white is very effective. Henry Fonda and Robert Mitchum are great.

John Wayne does a good job as his normal self. Sean Connery has a nice little part. Peter Lawford, Eddie Albert, Sal Mineo, Roddy McDowell, Richard Burton all have some good scenes. Jeffery Hunter is particularly effective as a grunt who is forced into a heroic act.”

The much-loved black and white epic is available to stream on BBC iPlayer