This attempt at a WW2 atmosphere did not succeed. It smacked more of the Korean War than WW2. This was a common problem of all war films about WW2 that were produced after 1953. There were some that escaped that atmosphere, such as the Bridge Over the River Kwai, but for the vast majority of other attempts, there was only a vague feeling that something was missing.
Lee Marvin appeared to be the only true iron man in the squad. I was not buying Colucci's character magically changing at the conclusion of the film. The players give their best shot, but cannot save the talky, dreary dialogue. Basically, it is 20 minutes of action surrounded by an hour of talk and innuendo. There really isnt very much tension, as was intended by the script. This film flopped as a play, and for good reason. The film flops for the same reason.
Lee Marvin appeared to be the only true iron man in the squad. I was not buying Colucci's character magically changing at the conclusion of the film. The players give their best shot, but cannot save the talky, dreary dialogue. Basically, it is 20 minutes of action surrounded by an hour of talk and innuendo. There really isnt very much tension, as was intended by the script. This film flopped as a play, and for good reason. The film flops for the same reason.