Today, we have The Counterfeit Traitor (1962)
This movie, based at least partially on a true story, is a refreshing counter to most WW2 movies of the time which tended to be more action-adventure escape crowd-pleasers that didn't exactly shine in the realism department. I enjoy these as much as anyone, but "The Guns of Navarone" doesn't really shine a light into the seriousness of the war. The story, an American ex-pat businessman who is drawn into an espionage plot, is one of those less glamorous under the surface stories that has a lot going for it. Unfortunately, it's let down by some droning William Holden narration that seems to have to explain everything that's going on and the pacing/directing that really needs a different approach as this story isn't going to just jump out.
Once the movie gets going, it improves and the cast does well though Holden seems kind of bored at times. Lili Palmer is good as the German who helps on the plot and the love interest and there's even a brief appearance by Klaus Kinski!
I don't normally advocate for remakes of old movies but I think a modern version of this story could be really good. In different hands, this could benefit from a contemporary style with more realism which would suit the seriousness of the screenplay. And better costumes: most of the cast looks very 1962.
I'd guess that Dad saw this one when it came out and wanted to see it again. It may very well have played better at the time and on a big screen; lots of good location work.
