Stalag 17 1953
"The star-spangled, laugh-loaded salute to our P.W. heroes!"
Billy Wilder's Stalag 17 (1953) blends sharp wit with wartime tension in a German POW camp where suspicion falls on a resourceful black marketeer. When two American prisoners are gunned down during an escape attempt, the remaining soldiers turn their scrutiny toward J.J.
Director: Billy Wilder
Cast
William Holden
Sgt. J.J. Sefton
Robert Strauss
Sgt. Stanislaus 'Animal' Kuzawa
Don Taylor
Lt. James Dunbar
Otto Preminger
Oberst von Scherbach
Harvey Lembeck
Sgt. Harry Shapiro
Richard Erdman
Sgt. 'Hoffy' Hoffman
Peter Graves
Sgt. Frank Price
Neville Brand
Duke
Sig Ruman
Sgt. Johann Sebastian Schulz
Michael Moore
Sgt. Manfredi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stalag 17 (1953) about?
Set in a German POW camp during World War II, Stalag 17 follows a group of American prisoners as they grapple with paranoia after a failed escape attempt leads to deadly consequences. Suspicion turns toward J.J. Sefton, a calculating but enterprising soldier whose black-market dealings make him an obvious suspect.
Who directed Stalag 17?
Billy Wilder, the legendary filmmaker behind classics like Sunset Boulevard and Some Like It Hot, directed Stalag 17.
Who stars in Stalag 17?
The film features William Holden as J.J. Sefton, supported by Robert Strauss, Don Taylor, Otto Preminger, and Harvey Lembeck.
Is Stalag 17 (1953) worth watching?
Absolutely—Stalag 17 is a standout wartime drama that balances humor and suspense with expert precision. Wilder's direction and Holden's unforgettable performance make it a must-see for fans of classic cinema and wartime stories alike.
How long is Stalag 17?
Stalag 17 runs for 120 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About Stalag 17 (1953) — Billy Wilder's darkly comic wartime thriller at full tilt
Billy Wilder's Stalag 17 (1953) blends sharp wit with wartime tension in a German POW camp where suspicion falls on a resourceful black marketeer. When two American prisoners are gunned down during an escape attempt, the remaining soldiers turn their scrutiny toward J.J. Sefton, a cynical but enterprising G.I. whose trading skills make him an easy target for accusations of collaboration. Wilder crafts a darkly comedic yet gripping atmosphere, where survival instincts clash with loyalty under the oppressive shadow of World War II. The film masterfully balances humor and suspense, exploring themes of trust, betrayal, and the moral gray areas of captivity.
Starring William Holden as the enigmatic Sefton, the cast delivers standout performances that ground the story in authenticity and charm. With a runtime of 120 minutes, Stalag 17 (1953) delivers a compelling wartime drama that's as much about human resilience as it is about wartime ingenuity. Wilder's direction keeps the narrative taut, ensuring every scene crackles with tension and wit.
