The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

O.K. now, everybody whistle. A long film about "keeping a stiff upper lip", following orders, and leadership earned David Lean his first Best Director Oscar (though Howard Hawks was originally asked to direct it). Can you image Cary Grant (as was originally planned) in lieu of William Holden? Alec Guinness received his only Best Actor Oscar; Sessue Hayakawa his only nomination. This Academy Award winning Best Picture also won for Writing, Music, Editing, and Cinematography. Added to the National Film Registry in 1997. #13 on AFI's 100 Greatest Movies list; #58 on AFI's 100 Most Heart-Pounding Movies list. #14 on AFI's 100 Most Inspiring Movies list.

Guinness is the British Officer in charge of the P.O.W.s (including Jack Hawkins, among others) being held by the Japanese during World War II. Holden is an American among the prisoners who's lied about being an officer for the benefits therein, but spends time in "the hole" anyway. The ranking Japanese officer (Hayakawa) forces the prisoners to build a train bridge in the jungle. However, Allied forces have plans to sabotage the project before it can be used to assist the enemy.

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