A hard, tough story of life in a military stockade that makes gripping viewing. Although its dialogue is often difficult to grasp, this powerful film leaves one with an indelible impression of primitive violence, for men's emotions have rarely been so heartbreakingly, primitively exposed on screen. Sean Connery broke right away from the Bond image as the bullet-headed ex-sergeant-major who leads the ultimate revolt against authority. Ian Hendry's sneering sergeant is also a splendid piece of character work. Sidney Lumet's determined direction ensures that no punches are pulled.

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