Review of Town Without Pity

The graphic novel upon which this film is based is called 'The verdict.' Transferred to the silver screen the title was later changed to " Town Without Pity " directed by Gottfried. This film is perhaps one of the most tragic and deeply poignant movies to see in the 1960s. The story is that of four soldiers stationed in Germany after World War II, who after getting drunk, walk through a small town and entering a nearby woods, find and rape a teenage German girl named Karin Steinhof (Christine Kaufmann). Later on trial for their lives the soldiers (Robert Blake, Richard Jaeckel, Frank Sutton and Mal Sondock as Joey Haines) stand trial for the crime. The prosecutor Col. Jerome Pakenham (E.G. Marshall) seeks the death penalty while defense attorney Maj. Steve Garrett (Kirk Douglas) tries to prevent it. Filmed in Black and White, the movie is tragically important in that it not only highlights the superior talent's of the leading actors, but also established quite dramatically the actors who would later become household names. Indeed Blake, (Baretta) Sutton (Gomer Pile USMC) and Jaeckel (Twilights last Gleeming) would later find themselves as leading men in several major films or T.V Series. In retrospect this movie would also garner a number one hit with it's memorable song of 'Town Without Pity ' by Gene Pitney. All in all this landmark movie has firmly established itself as a true CLASSIC for all concern. Easily Recommended to all Classic lovers of great movies. ****