The plot of "Counterpoint" might see ludicrous. However, during WWII, the USO provided entertainment for American troops--both at home and abroad. And, during the Battle of the Bulge, various performers were in Belgium entertaining the troops. In addition, during this surprising German offensive, the Germans frequently murdered their prisoners. All this being taken into account, "Counterpoint" doesn't see so far-fetched.The film begins during an orchestral performance for US Army troops during a break in the war. However, in the midst of this, the Germans attack and the orchestra is soon taken prisoner. The German general in charge (Maximilliam Schell) presents himself as a decent, professional and cultured man. His second in command, the Colonel (Anton Diffring) is essentially a Nazi monster...a man who enjoys murdering prisoners. During much of the film, there is tension between the two, though ultimately the General agrees that AFTER the orchestra performs for him, the Colonel can do what he wants with them. The orchestra leader (Charlton Heston) knows what's in store for them and is trying to find some desperate solution other than to all walk willingly in front of a firing squad! What's next?This is a very unusual war film...extremely unusual. It deserves to be seen just for that reason. However, it is NOT a great films...just a very good one. Much of it is because the film often seems very talky. There is, ultimately, lots of action at the end...but precious little before that. So much so that I am sure the film would bore some viewers.

I saw "Counterpoint" back in 1968 at a local cinema in the Midwest, and I liked it so much I went back the next night and watched it again. I was especially captivated by the acting, the offbeat plot, and the wonderful music. I've not seen it again in forty years . . . until last night, when I was finally able to watch it on DVD. The film is superb. It portrays a psychological tug-of-war between brilliant classical conductor Heston and the great Maximilian Schell, playing another of his patented Nazis who has other dimensions to him besides just being a brutal Nazi. It's during the Battle of the Bulge, and Schell is conflicted in that he loves music while at the same time he must obey orders and practice the routine cruelties of war. His love of music demands that maestro Heston (whom through a quirk of fate he's captured, along with an entire USO orchestra, behind enemy lines) play for him, wanting "something Wagnerian perhaps..." To which the stubborn Heston counters, "categorically, no Wagner." It's mostly about an egocentric, pampered and pompous musician who refuses to play because he realizes that once he does, he and his entire orchestra will be shot (along with two US soldiers who have been trapped in the same net) and a military authoritarian who craves a private, full-orchestra performance just to indulge his sense of art. In reality, both men are uncompromising martinets who demand perfection and absolute obedience to their will. But, as has been pointed out, things are made even more interesting in that there's (a) a traitor in the orchestra; (b) a relationship between Heston and a married female cellist; and (c) an SS officer (perennial Nazi Anton Diffring) who wants to wipe them all out. The plot is similar to the Vanessa Redgrave film "Playing for Time," but with fascinating twists - such as here it is NOT playing that enables Heston and his people to buy time. The music is extraordinary, the setting (an old bombed-out castle) intriguing, the atmosphere foreboding, and the acting - especially the interplay between Heston and Schell - a treat. The "counterpoint" (you've probably by now figured out the pun in the title) between him and Schell is in some ways reminiscent of the relationship Heston had with Olivier in "Khartoum," only a bit nastier and missing the religious overtones. Leslie Nielsen and Kathryn Hays are also interesting and quite convincing as members of the star-crossed triangle. The scenes are all very well written; and the music alone is worth the film. As with my first viewing forty years ago, I've watched it now twice in the past 24 hours, and I'm adding it to my list of Heston's and Schell's best, most essential roles. Odd that Universal never put it out on either VHS or DVD, and that even some of Heston's most ardent fans don't know of its existence. I'm an unabashed Heston AND Maximilian Schell fan. And if you like Schell, you won't be disappointed, since, as one of the other reviewers mentions, the film captures perfectly his charm, private enigma, and charismatic sex appeal. He's one of those delightfully complex Nazis you hate to love; yes, he's a cynical and brutal soldier in service to Hitler and the evil Reich, but his performance makes it impossible not to feel a bit of sympathy for him. His finer instincts also make him a philosopher and music lover, and one gets the feeling that, were it not for the arbitrary lot time and place has dealt him, he would have been someone very similar to Heston - an egoistic, authoritarian professor of music at Berlin University perhaps? But he's been given his orders - kill all prisoners - and he must play the part of an obedient general. Or will he ?? Here one must see the film to its finish, which is not exactly unsatisfying, emotionally speaking. While the plot is definitely offbeat, that's precisely the beauty of it. A riveting film, to say the least. I bought it from ioffer.com for $9.99. The quality of the transfer is middling (the sound is marginal, and the color is so washed out at times I thought I was watching a black-and-white film!); but it's almost impossible to find, so I can't really quibble. This is one little gem I'd love to see restored onto DVD with full surround stereo sound. COME ON, UNIVERSAL, GET WITH IT! An absolute MUST for Heston and Schell admirers - not to mention lovers of classical music.

Counterpoint remains one of my favorite movies mainly because of the interesting interplay between Schell's and Heston's characters. It is good movie making to set up a psychological tug-of-war with life at stake. Schell does an excellent job portraying a conflicted authoritarian who has stumbled upon a small bit of beauty in the midst of chaos. Schell exudes his character's charm and ultimate control over the situation when he comments on the orchestra's performance list - "Something Wagnerian perhaps..." I always have the feeling watching this movie that it would translate very well to the stage. Your eye is never distracted by other things. The premise, though a bit unrealistic, is still compelling enough to make the movie a good watch.

The very first movie I looked up when I stumbled on the IMDB was "Counterpoint." For years I had told people about this movie and how much of an impact it had on me, but no one had ever seen it -- some tried to convince me that I had imagined the whole thing! In their defense, it is a rather strange plot. I give this movie a substantial amount of the credit for beginning my appreciation for classical music. Unfortunately, you can only see it by purchasing it (I would presume). If the idea of a WWII/classical music/POW/intensely-driven-conductor movie sounds stupid, it probably isn't worth the price. If it sounds like it's right up your alley -- you shouldn't be disappointed.