The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel
The life and career of Erwin Rommel and his involvement in the plot to assassinate Hitler.
Critics Sentiment
Rommel directly confronts Hitler about failed military strategy
Stock footage depicts North African desert campaign battles
The film jumps from criticized stock footage sequences to the acclaimed Hitler confrontation scene, rising nearly 3 points as Mason's performance elevates the material.
Critics consistently praised James Mason's commanding performance as Rommel while finding fault with technical aspects like stock footage integration. The film succeeds most when focusing on character drama, particularly the pivotal Hitler confrontation scene, but struggles with action sequences. Overall reception was positive for a thoughtful wartime character study, though some questioned the sympathetic portrayal of a Nazi general so soon after the war.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 43
James Mason
Field Marshal Erwin Rommel
Cedric Hardwicke
Dr. Karl Strolin
Jessica Tandy
Frau Lucie Marie Rommel
Luther Adler
Adolf Hitler
Everett Sloane
Gen. Wilhelm Burgdorf
Leo G. Carroll
Field Marshal Gerd von Rundstedt
George Macready
Gen. Fritz Bayerlein
Richard Boone
Capt. Hermann Aldinger
Eduard Franz
Col. Klaus von Stauffenberg
Desmond Young
Lt. Colonel Desmond Young
Paul Cavanagh
Lt. Col. Caesar von Hofaker
George Nader
Commando
Dan O'Herlihy
Commando Captain (uncredited)
Michael Rennie
Narrator (voice) (uncredited)
Peter van Eyck
German Officer
John Hoyt
Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel
Philip Ahlm
German Chauffeur
John Anderson
Jack Baston
Gen. Alfred Jodl
Mary Carroll
Rommel's Maid
Crew
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