Escape to Athena (1979)

Overview

Escape to Athena is a curious entry in the canon of World War II adventure films. Directed by George P. Cosmatos (best known for Rambo: First Blood Part II and Tombstone), the film tries to blend genres: it’s part war caper, part comedy, part heist movie, and part resistance drama, all wrapped in the picturesque setting of a Nazi-occupied Greek island. With a star-studded international cast and a lush Mediterranean backdrop, it promises entertainment, but does it deliver?

Plot Summary

Set during the latter years of World War II, Escape to Athena revolves around a Nazi-run POW camp on a Greek island, overseen by the cultured yet cynical Austrian commandant Major Otto Hecht (Roger Moore). Rather than brutal forced labour, Hecht uses the prisoners’ talents for personal gain—particularly having them excavate ancient artifacts to sell on the black market.

The camp's inhabitants include a mix of eclectic characters: a scholarly archaeologist (David Niven), an American USO entertainer (Elliott Gould), and his partner (Stefanie Powers), among others. As the story unfolds, the prisoners plot an escape that aligns with the local Greek resistance (led by Telly Savalas as Zeno and Claudia Cardinale as Eleana), culminating in a daring assault on a German missile base.

Tone and Style

This is where the film hits its biggest snags. Escape to Athena struggles tonally, never fully committing to either the high-stakes tension of a war thriller or the breezy fun of a comedy. The comedy, driven mostly by Elliott Gould’s brash American showman and Sonny Bono’s bumbling cook, feels shoehorned and undercuts the moments of genuine suspense or danger. The film attempts to emulate the success of earlier ensemble war capers like The Great Escape (1963) or Kelly’s Heroes (1970), but never quite hits that sweet spot.

Cosmatos’ direction is competent, especially in the action sequences, but the pacing is inconsistent. The final third of the movie, which includes an exciting (if implausible) assault on a monastery-turned-fortress, is thrilling and well-staged, but getting there feels padded and occasionally aimless.

Performances

The cast is a who's who of late-70s stars, though not all are used to their full potential.

Roger Moore brings his signature suave presence to Hecht, though it feels more like a Bond villain in disguise than a nuanced character. He plays the role with charm but little emotional depth.

Telly Savalas delivers a solid performance as the resistance leader, Zeno. His gravitas helps anchor the more absurd elements of the plot.

David Niven, despite being somewhat underutilized, lends credibility and dry wit, befitting his status as a cinematic veteran.

Claudia Cardinale and Stefanie Powers are unfortunately relegated to mostly thankless roles, though Cardinale does inject some fiery passion into her scenes.

Elliott Gould and Sonny Bono play broad comic relief roles that might appeal to some viewers, but for many, their scenes feel disconnected from the more serious aspects of the film.

Cinematography and Production

The film’s biggest strength is its visual appeal. Shot on location in Rhodes, the cinematography by Gilbert Taylor (Star Wars, Dr. Strangelove) captures the sun-drenched island beautifully. The setting gives the film an exotic edge and makes the most of the natural and architectural splendor. The contrast between the scenic paradise and the wartime setting adds some visual tension, though it also underlines the tonal confusion.

The production design is strong, especially in the climactic monastery raid, where set pieces and explosions are impressively handled. The film’s budget clearly went toward action sequences and location work, and it shows.

Music

The score by Lalo Schifrin (Mission: Impossible, Dirty Harry) adds a touch of classic spy-thriller flair, though at times it feels a bit over-the-top or mismatched with the on-screen action. The music tries to amp up the stakes and fun, but like the film, it’s caught between two moods.

Reception and Legacy

Upon release, Escape to Athena received mixed reviews. Critics cited its uneven tone and underdeveloped characters as major flaws. While the action sequences were often praised, the comedy was largely panned. The film was not a box office success and has largely been forgotten, though it has found a minor cult following among fans of oddball war films and retro adventure cinema.

Today, it’s best remembered as a cinematic curiosity—a film that tried to do too much and ended up delivering a patchy, if occasionally entertaining, experience.

Verdict

Pros:

Gorgeous Greek island cinematography

Energetic final act with solid action

Strong supporting performances (especially Savalas and Niven)

Ambitious blending of genres

Cons:

Inconsistent tone throughout

Some performances feel phoned-in or miscast

Underwritten female roles

Comedy elements often fall flat

Final Rating:

Escape to Athena is a film that should have been more fun than it is. While it has moments of excitement and boasts a talented cast, it fails to fully commit to any one tone, leaving the viewer unsure whether to laugh or take the action seriously. It’s worth watching for the location, the cast, and the novelty of its premise, but temper your expectations.