The Bridge on the River Kwai

Culver City, CA: Columbia Pictures, 1958. Vintage reference photograph of David Lean on the set of the 1957 film. Mimeo snipe and "Columbia Pictures" stamp on verso.

Based on the 1952 novel "Le Pont de la riviere Kwai" by Pierre Boulle. Allied POWs of a Japanese prison camp are forced to build a railway over a bridge during WWII. Under the leadership of Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness), they are persuaded that the bridge should be constructed as a symbol of British perseverance. Unbeknownst to Nicholson, the Allies have sent a mission into the jungle, led by Major Warden (Jack Hawkins) and an American, Shears (William Holden), to blow up the bridge.

Both screenwriters Carl Foreman and Michael Wilson 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.

Winner of seven Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor and Best Cinematography, nominated for Best Supporting Actor.

Set in Thailand, shot on location in Sri Lanka.

8 x 10 inches.

National Film Registry. Ebert II.

[Book #150780]