The Password Is Courage [1962] [DVD]

This rather forgotten film in Dirk Bogarde's cannon is a fitfully amusing war offering based on the true-life exploits of one Charles Coward, a cocky PoW who spent his time humiliating his guards and preparing his colleagues for escape.

Writer / director Andrew L Stone occasionally pushes too hard for comic effect and Bogarde is hardly perfect casting, but the story of Coward's attempts to reach the Polish Resistance is fascinating and would have benefited from a more dramatic retelling.

Alfred Lynch and Reginald Beckwith provide sterling support and, on the evidence of this performance, Maria Perschy should have become much better known.

The Password is Courage is offered here in full digital quality from a high definition tv source. One of Dirk Bogardes best films and a worthwhile addition to your war collection.