An assault by the Afrika Korps on a British post in Tobruk during WW2 results in a chaotic evacuation. An alcoholic captain (John Mills), a sergeant major (Harry Andrews) and two nurses (Sylvia Syms, Diane Clare) escape in an ambulance, fleeing across the desert to reach British lines in Alexandria, Egypt. Along the way, they pick up a friendly, stranded Afrikaner soldier (Anthony Quayle) who proves invaluable when they are plagued with mechanical problems and German patrols. However, as the grueling trek progresses, suspicions within the group may reach a breaking point.
Print courtesy of the British Film Institute
“The ultimate British war film” – Channel 4
“Although the film was closely based on Christopher Landon’s best-selling account… Thompson added some flourishes of his own, like the tense sequence in which the ambulance crosses the minefield. According to Mills, this… was largely improvised by Thompson on location in Libya… a sure handling of suspense.” – BFI Screen Online
Brian Trenchard-Smith discusses Ice Cold in Alex for Trailers From Hell.
Express UK tracked down Ice Cold in Alex star Sylvia Sims for a rare interview.
The Guardian showcases a collection of photos taken on the set of Ice Cold in Alex.
Marc Edward Heuck discusses Ice Cold in Alex on the New Beverly blog.
Chris D explores director J. Lee Thompson’s extensive career on the New Beverly blog.
See a collection of lobby cards under the alternate US title Desert Attack on the New Bev forum.
