The Longest Day Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of guys from different countries argue in different languages about the weather, then someone eventually remembers they’re supposed to invade France, causing mild chaos.

🍿 The Longest Day: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Planning the Invasion

The film meticulously depicts the Allied preparations for Operation Overlord, the D-Day invasion of Normandy. General Eisenhower grapples with the immense pressure of deciding whether to launch the invasion despite unfavorable weather conditions. Meanwhile, key figures like Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Vandervoort and Brigadier General Norman Cota prepare their troops for the daunting task ahead.

German Miscalculations

On the German side, Field Marshal Rommel anticipates an Allied landing but is misled by weather reports and the Allies’ deception tactics. German High Command debates the location of the impending invasion, with some believing it will target Calais. A critical delay occurs as Hitler is asleep, preventing the immediate deployment of Panzer divisions.

D-Day Landings

The film vividly portrays the chaotic and brutal landings on the Normandy beaches. From the paratroopers dropping into Sainte-Mère-Église to the U.S. Rangers scaling the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc, the film captures the bravery and sacrifice of the Allied soldiers. The narrative shifts between multiple landing zones, showcasing the multinational effort of the invasion.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lt. Col. Benjamin Vandervoort (John Wayne): The determined paratrooper tasked with capturing Sainte-Mere-Eglise, facing obstacles and a broken ankle.
• Brig. Gen. James M. Gavin (Robert Ryan): The commanding officer of the airborne division, overseeing the critical paratrooper operations.
• Brig. Gen. Norman Cota (Robert Mitchum): The pragmatic general who leads his men onto Omaha Beach, fighting through intense resistance.
• Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower (Henry Grace): The Supreme Commander who makes the difficult decision to launch the D-Day invasion despite adverse weather.
• Gerd von Rundstedt (Paul Hartmann): The German commander of OB West, initially skeptical of the invasion location and hindered by a sleeping Hitler.
• Erwin Rommel (Werner Hinz): The German Field Marshal who fortifies the beaches but is away in Berlin when the invasion commences.
• Maj. Werner Pluskat (Hans Christian Blech): The German officer in charge of coastal batteries who first spots the Allied invasion fleet.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Field Marshal Erwin Rommel: “The first 24 hours of the invasion will be decisive… for the Allies, as well as the Germans.” – Rommel expresses his belief about the critical nature of the initial phase of the invasion.
• Brig. Gen. Norman Cota: ““Gentlemen, we start the war from right here!”” – General Cota rallies his men when they are pinned down on Omaha Beach.
• Flight Officer David Campbell: “The thing that’s always worried me about being one of the few is the way we keep on getting fewer.” – Reflects the pilot’s somber acceptance of the high mortality rate in his squadron.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $32,150,000
• Worldwide Gross: $50,100,000

💥 The Longest Day Reviews

Personal Review

I was blown away by the sheer scale of ‘The Longest Day.’ The all-star cast was mesmerizing, and the way they showed the events from multiple perspectives really hit home. The scenes of the paratroopers landing were intense, especially the guy stuck on the church steeple. It’s a long movie, but definitely worth the watch for a glimpse into a pivotal moment in history.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “History buffs”
  • “Fans of classic war films”
  • “Viewers interested in D-Day”
  • “Those who appreciate all-star casts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence”
  • “Scenes of combat”
  • “Some disturbing imagery”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “A monumental achievement in filmmaking, ‘The Longest Day’ captures the scale and scope of D-Day with gripping realism. The ensemble cast delivers powerful performances, and the film’s attention to detail is unparalleled. A must-see for any film enthusiast.
• The New York Times: “While star-studded, ‘The Longest Day’ succeeds in presenting a balanced view of the battle from both Allied and German perspectives. Its ambition is commendable, and the film remains a compelling historical drama.
• RogerEbert.com: “Despite its length, ‘The Longest Day’ never feels boring. The meticulous recreation of the D-Day landings and the strong performances make it a valuable cinematic experience. However, it can feel somewhat sanitized compared to modern war films.

Audience Reactions

The film’s scope and ambition in depicting such a large-scale event are unparalleled.: Viewers appreciate the film’s attempt to show the events of D-Day from multiple perspectives, including Allied, German, and French civilian.

Many found the ensemble cast to be a major draw, even if some performances were brief.: Most agree that the film, while long, is engaging and informative, providing a valuable insight into the complexities of the Normandy invasion.

Overall Consensus: A classic war epic that, despite its age and length, remains a compelling and informative portrayal of the D-Day invasion, albeit somewhat sanitized compared to modern depictions of war.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Cinematography, Black-and-White)- 1963
2. Academy Award (Best Special Effects)- 1963

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Darryl F. Zanuck secured cooperation from the U.S., British, and French militaries, gaining access to equipment and locations that added authenticity to the film.”
• “Several actual D-Day participants served as consultants, including Lord Lovat (played by Peter Lawford), ensuring accuracy in depicting events and military procedures.”
• “The movie was shot in black and white to give it a documentary feel and to avoid color inaccuracies that would have been apparent with the film technology of the time.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Longest Day?

The Longest Day is available for purchase or rental on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for potential broadcast schedules. Physical copies on Blu-ray and DVD are also widely available for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Longest Day, you might like these similar films:

• A Bridge Too Far (1977): Another epic WWII film based on a Cornelius Ryan book, detailing Operation Market Garden.
• Saving Private Ryan (1998): Offers a more visceral and personal depiction of the D-Day landings, focusing on the brutal realities of war.
• Midway (1976): Like The Longest Day, it presents a large-scale WWII battle with an all-star cast, focusing on a pivotal moment in the Pacific theater.

🛒 The Longest Day Related Products

• The Longest Day (Collector’s Edition) [Blu-ray]: Experience the epic D-Day invasion in stunning high definition. This collector’s edition includes bonus content, behind-the-scenes footage, and a commemorative booklet.
• D-Day: June 6, 1944: The Climactic Battle of World War II: Cornelius Ryan’s gripping account of D-Day, the inspiration for the movie. Experience the events of that day as told by those who fought and lived through it.
• World War II Trivia Challenge: Test your knowledge of World War II history with this challenging trivia game. Features questions about D-Day and other key events of the war.
• D-Day Normandy Beach Map Poster: Detailed map of the Normandy beaches and landing zones during the D-Day invasion. A perfect addition to any history enthusiast’s collection. High quality print and detailing.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Longest Day features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Longest Day” – performed by Paul Anka
• “The Longest Day (Theme)” – performed by Mitch Miller & His Orchestra

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Ranger Mission at Pointe du Hoc: Fact vs Fiction in THE LONGEST DAY Movie – #shorts #short

Ever wondered how accurate ‘The Longest Day’ actually is? This short video breaks down the real Ranger mission at Pointe du Hoc versus what you see on screen – it’s pretty fascinating to see what they got right (and wrong)!

The Longest Day [the funny bits]

Believe it or not, even a serious movie like ‘The Longest Day’ has its funny moments! This compilation showcases the comedic relief – it’s a fun way to appreciate a different side of this classic.

7 deceased The Longest Day actors (part 1)

It’s always a little sad to see how many of the actors from our favorite classic movies are no longer with us. This short video pays tribute to some of the stars from ‘The Longest Day’ – a really touching reminder of their legacy.

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