The Bridge on the River Kwai

In 'The Bridge on the River Kwai' (1957), a British Colonel named Nicholson, played by Alec Guinness, cooperates with his Japanese captors to construct a railway bridge during World War II. However, the Allies see the bridge as a strategic asset and send a commando team to destroy it.

• Alec Guinness's Oscar-winning role was originally intended for Charles Laughton.
• Burt Lancaster turned down the role of Colonel Nicholson.
• The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
• The bridge was built twice: once for demolition, once for filming.
• Director David Lean and actor William Holden clashed frequently on set.

• Madness! Madness!
• I hate the British! You are defeated but you have no shame.
• Do not speak to me of rules. This is war!
• I suppose if I were you, I'd have to kill myself.
• Colonel Nicholson, sir, are you quite sure that's a regulation uniform?