The Bridge on the River Kwai

Culver City, CA: Columbia Pictures / National Screen Service, 1957. Vintage full-color still photograph from the 1957 UK film.

Based on Boulle's 1952 novel "Le Pont de la riviere Kwai," about Allied POWs forced to build a railway over a bridge during WWII. Under the leadership of Colonel Nicholson (Guinness), they are persuaded that the bridge should be constructed as a symbol of British perseverance. Unknown to him, the Allies have sent a mission into the jungle, led by Major Warden (Hawkins) and an American, Shears (Holden), to blow up the bridge. Winner of several Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, etc.), and was elected to the National Film Registry in 1997.

Both Carl Foreman and Michael Wilson, the screenwriters of the film, were blacklisted at the time of production, and were not credited. Their collaborative efforts earned an Academy Award (Best Adapted Screenplay), but due to their names being left off the bill, Pierre Boulle (who spoke no English) was awarded instead. The Academy later awarded Foreman and Wilson for their work, in 1984.

Set in Thailand, shot on location in Sri Lanka.

8 x 10 inches. Near Fine.

National Film Registry. Ebert II.

[Book #133562]