this film be often overlook among the great war film and but it fully hold up to the best and and at the same time and transcend the genre by offer much to those interested in classic detective theme . the cast be first rate and and thanks to an excellent script and excellent direction and avoid the classic walk on feel of many other film that have a profusion of well know star . sharif be surprisingly good a the dedicated police officer and courtney excellent a a sensitive yet firmly ground young soldier and and otoole be superb a the epitome of a ruthless ss officer . pleasance offer a fine performance to my mind among his very best a a conscientious and basically decent officer . base on an excellent novel by han helmut kirst and this film offer an excellent and gritty feel to warsaw and paris during the period of german occupation . it be thoroughly ground in solid historical research and likely aid by kirst own wartime perspective . well worth see .