Pretty average Pacific Island war film, it has Cornel Wilde (who also directed) and Rip Torn in it, which isn't saying much. Rip Torn is reliable but he's given a stupid scenario and not much screen time. The script is lazily assembled and messy, and towards the end, the whole film becomes so deluded in unbelievable scenes that it detracts from the decent Marine landing opening.
1950's tanks are used and also Filipino army regulars take the place of Japanese soldiers in a horrible scene where they are wiped out by bombing and strafing planes.
Cornel Wilde is ridiculous as a Captain, who is at the front battle lines, why, because he also wrote the script. He wanted to appear like a hero so he takes a shot at the glory. Most of the cast is played by wooden young men who can't act very well. Add a dispersed monologue from each soldier, boring flashbacks a la 60's clothing and hairstyles, and an annoying 1960's folk song.
The battle scenes are also hampered by an imposed, black smoke that seems to have been put in in the studio post-production. A few camera shadows and other mistakes are also apparent.
Still, it's worth a look if you liked Sands of Iwo Jima (1949) and Halls of Montezuma (1950).
1950's tanks are used and also Filipino army regulars take the place of Japanese soldiers in a horrible scene where they are wiped out by bombing and strafing planes.
Cornel Wilde is ridiculous as a Captain, who is at the front battle lines, why, because he also wrote the script. He wanted to appear like a hero so he takes a shot at the glory. Most of the cast is played by wooden young men who can't act very well. Add a dispersed monologue from each soldier, boring flashbacks a la 60's clothing and hairstyles, and an annoying 1960's folk song.
The battle scenes are also hampered by an imposed, black smoke that seems to have been put in in the studio post-production. A few camera shadows and other mistakes are also apparent.
Still, it's worth a look if you liked Sands of Iwo Jima (1949) and Halls of Montezuma (1950).