The Longest Day
The retelling of June 6, 1944, from the perspectives of the Germans, US, British, Canadians, and the Free French. Marshall Erwin Rommel, touring the defenses being established as part of the Reich's Atlantic Wall, notes to his officers that when the Allied invasion comes they must be stopped on the beach. "For the Allies as well as the Germans, it will be the longest day"
Critics Sentiment
Allied forces begin landing on multiple Normandy beaches
German commanders debate whether attacks are Allied feint
The film builds from strategic confusion to the spectacular dawn beach landings, representing the shift from uncertainty to the full scale of the invasion.
The Longest Day maintains consistently strong sentiment throughout, with reviewers praising its epic scope, authentic locations, and respectful treatment of all sides. The film peaks during the massive beach landing sequences that showcase its superior production values, while slower strategic moments receive slightly lower but still positive scores. Critics consistently highlighted the film's educational value and technical achievements despite some concerns about character development in the sprawling narrative.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 115
John Wayne
Lt. Col. Benjamin Vandervoort
Robert Mitchum
Brig. Gen. Norman Cota
Henry Fonda
Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr.
Richard Burton
Flying Officer David Campbell
Sean Connery
Pvt. Flanagan
Leslie Phillips
RAF Officer Mac
Robert Ryan
Brig. Gen. James M. Gavin
Paul Anka
U.S. Army Ranger
Wolfgang Büttner
Maj. Gen. Dr. Hans Speidel
Mel Ferrer
Maj. Gen. Robert Haines
Ray Danton
Capt. Frank
Peter Lawford
Lord Lovat
Eddie Albert
Col. Thompson
Arletty
Madame Barrault
Jean-Louis Barrault
Father Louis Roulland
Richard Beymer
Pvt. Dutch Schultz
Hans Christian Blech
Maj. Werner Pluskat
Bourvil
Mayor of Colleville
Red Buttons
Pvt. John Steele
Pauline Carton
Maid
Crew
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