Reviews

Film Noir? (kinda).. Slow paced. Plot a bit unbelievable, but lots of plots are. Taylor talks too much. I really liked Charles Laughton's portrayal, felt disgust and sympathy for his character at the same time, I think it was a gem of a performance. Ava is beautiful, as usual. Price is sinister, as usual. Hodiak is competent, as usual. Final fireworks are very impressive. If you have and hour and a half to spare, watch it and you'll only be wasting about 30 minutes.

Not the best John Wayne movie, but a damn good one. He and Hepburn make it move along, and you can see the genuine chemistry between their characters. As the movie progresses, you can feel him come to understand and respect her, and you can feel her becoming more fond of him, regardless of his faults. He finally admitting that being with her "pleases" him, and her final speech to him says it all. An enjoyable film all around.

I first saw this movie in early 1950's in a local movie house that specialized in older movies. Hadn't heard of it before, and was delighted it was so good. A real "sleeper" from the past. I liked it very much then, and 15 or so years later, I caught it on TV, and managed to tape it. A classic soldiers survival story done right under John Ford's direction. The solid group of actors led by Victor McLaughlin do an excellent job here as British soldiers in Mesopotamia during World War I. Unusual role by Boris Karloff is believable. The enemy Arabs are unseen and pick off the soldiers one by one, adding to the suspense and drama. Good character development. I enjoyed it and awarded a "9".

An A-1 winner,, I enjoy it immensely every time I see it, and I've watched it many times. I can't be real critical of the historical inaccuracies, because it is, after all, an action/adventure tale based in an actual incident, NOT a documentary. Acting, music, film work, and character development are outstanding. Work of Nigel Green as Colour Sergeant Bourne, adds much to the tale. His firm unemotional remarks: When the frightened young soldier asks "Why us?" He answers. logically, "Because we're here, lad, because we're here"; and Bournes calm statement to the raving Reverend Witt, "Quiet now, like a good gentleman, you'll upset the lads." Then his quiet disciplinary reminder to the troops during roll call in a battle lull, "Answer with Sir, -- Officer on Parade." Stanley Baker's character of Chard, taking command only because of seniority, first setting about confidently preparing defenses, and then temporarily revealing his uncertainy about his situation when he pleads unashamedly to the passing group of Afrikaaner Calvary to stay and fight with them. Michael Caine's rendition of the aristocratic Lieutenant was very believable, no matter what his accent, he did a fine job with the role.

The battle scenes flow is excellent, the fighting in the hospital, suspensful and breathtaking. Hookie's character is not at all accurate to the actual person according to historical fact, but it's a very plausable that there were a few like him in every British regiment. Stanley Baker and Wellman have created a super adventure yarn, no matter how you look at it. I'll give it a "10" any day.

Robert Taylor gives a gritty performance as the leader of a thrown together unit fighting a delaying action during the fall of the Philipines. Lloyd Nolan does a good job as a professional soldier with a past, Thomas Mitchell is good as the older career soldier, perhaps a bit out of shape from years of peace time duty. Robert Walkers portrayal of a young homesick sailor is a good start on his career. This 1943 movie features some of the best hand to hand combat scenes to come out of any war movie, regardless of era. The exhaustion afterwards is strikingly realistic. This movie, dialogue included, is patriotic. At the time of Bataan, there wasn't much good news as the US had suffered some devastating defeats. The characters, regardless of race or creed, are treated equally which is a real plus for that time. I first saw this movie in a theatre when I was 9, (and yes, after the movie was over, the house lights came on and the ushers passed thru the audience selling War Stamps). I liked the movie then, and like it even more now. I give it a 9.

NOTE: A previous persons comment stated that they were not even wearing American helmets. In fact, the helmets worn in the movie ARE correct for the American Army in the early 1940's.