February 23, 2007
NO WONDER HE DIDN'T WANT A COFFIN:
Lothar-Guenther Buchheim, author of 'Das Boot,' dies at 89 (Melissa Eddy, 2/24/07, Associated Press)
German author and art collector Lothar-Guenther Buchheim, who was best known for his autobiographical novel "Das Boot," has died, his museum and the office of the governor of Bavaria said Friday. He was 89. [...]Buchheim was acclaimed for his works of fiction and nonfiction, including several about his World War II patrol aboard the German submarine U-96 in the Atlantic Ocean in 1941. He crafted that experience into the novel "Das Boot," or "The Boat," which was published in 1973 and carried an underlying anti-war message.
In 1981, the book was turned into an acclaimed German film starring Juergen Prochnow that detailed the hopelessness of war and its effect on the crew of a submarine who spent much of their time beneath the surface amid the cramped confines of their boat.
If you ever get a chance to see Das Boot in a theater, the scene where the rivets start popping is even more claustrophobia inducing than Alien.
I saw Das Boot in high school with my older brothers in the Century Village Cinema at Century Village in Palm Beach County, Florida. It was an unusual choice of movies for the theater considering the location.
Posted by: pchuck at February 24, 2007 11:24 AMI saw Das Boot when it came out. My buddy Ray (claustrophobic)had to put his coat over his head during that scene. Thankfully there were some "beverages" waiting in the car to calm his nerves.
Posted by: Dave W at February 24, 2007 3:46 PMLoved the movie. The guy who played the on-board political officer and his role as 'PC' watchdog for the weathered crew was particularly effective. You almost felt sorry for the poor schmuck.
Posted by: at February 24, 2007 5:00 PM