This is one-of-all-too-many classic movies that should be shown on television at least once a year...once a decade, even!?!?

NO! Instead, great channels like TCM; AMC; and, many others, CONTINUOUSLY show the "SAME" movies over and over, again!?!? Where has variety gone?

I saw this movie...or, I'll say, "I was 'lucky enough' to 'catch' this movie back in 1991 when I just happened to find it on television. Since then...NOTHING!?!? Not even a mention of this great and lost Anthony Quinn classic! WHY?

This is really a great movie, but, due to 'whatever' or 'whomever,' it's an 'unknown' great movie!?!?

This movie is about the luckiest and unluckiest man on the planet at a time when Europe is swept-up into World War II. A man who seems to luck-out in many impossible ways, but, is only to be brought into many more unlucky situations!?!? This is a great movie to be seen by all!

Another Anthony Quinn Classic that is never shown on television is "The Secret of Santa Vittoria." I have, and, read the book, but, I haven't seen this movie since the 1970s!?!? If you even have the slightest chance of seeing this; or, if someone 'mistakenly' shows it on television...WATCH IT!

"The 25th Hour" is a great movie, and, I give it EIGHT STARS. :)

The movie deals with a love story rises above the tides of battle , as it concerns about a marriage (Anthony Quinn and Virna Lisi) and their children living in a Romanian village . Johann Moritz/Quinn is framed as Jewish by the constable (Gregorie Aslan) and he's punished to go to the concentration camps until he is deemed as Arian race and due to an error , he's drafted into the German army as a ¨SS¨ soldier . As the countryman is enlisted , but he fights against both sides in the war to get back to the woman who was in his dreams and always beyond his reach .

The picture is based on real events , thus the collaboration of Romania and Hungary Government with the Nazis , the encroachment of Romania by Stalin's Russian troops and other happenings . Anthony Quinn interpretation is satisfying although overblown , he plays with lots of gesticulation , Virna Lisi is more appropriated . Supporting cast is outstanding : Serge Reggniani , Robert Beatty , Marcel Dalio , Alexander Knox , Marius Goring and special mention to Gregorie Aslan as the nasty constable . Furthermore , the great Michael Redgrave , despite being billed fourth in the main titles he only has one scene. The runtime of the picture is approx. two hours , though is neither boring nor tiring but entertaining .

Henry Verneuil's direction is acceptable and the musical score by George Delerue is spellbound . Colorful and evocative cinematography by Andreas Winding . Flick will appeal to historical event enthusiasts and Second World War world buffs . Rating: 6,5/10 , well worth watching

One of the best anti-war films of all time !

Maybe this movie isn't a masterpiece, yet, there is no doubt its one of the best, if not the best, anti-war films of all times. Also Antony gave us one of his best, as well as Virna Lisi.

I sincerely recommends this anti-war satire in the best spirit of work of Henri Verneuil, the giant of the French cinema.

As one person said in his comment: "Get it. See it. You will remember it."

I couldn't agree more! For this is a timeless tale, told in a movie which after forty five years is still fresh and current.