The Guns of Navarone (1961) - the greatest commando movie ever made - was, despite the swashbuckling adventure and high body-count, conceived as an anti-war, pacifist movie.

We uncover the little-know fact that producer Carl Foreman (blacklisted from Hollywood) wrote the screen play as a strongly anti-war movie and was backed-up by stars of the movie Gregory Peck and Stanley Baker who both wanted to make a pacifist film.

Directed by J. Lee Thompson and also starring David Niven, Anthony Quail and Anthony Quinn we explore the real history behind The Guns of Navarone. From the Dodecanese Campaign in the Aegean during World War II to the real life inspiration for the gigantic guns themselves. Plus we look at the fantastic job Carl Foreman undertook in adapting Alistair McLean’s book for the big screen.

Plus: Gregory Peck’s tortured eyebrow acting, David Niven weaponising sarcasm, exploding fortresses before CGI, and whether this really is the best commando movie ever.

📩 Stormed an island lately? Got thoughts on wartime ethics or your favourite men-on-a-mission classic? Email us at historicalmoviespodcast@gmail.com or find us @hmpodcast.bsky.social.