With some astute trimming – especially of the last 30 minutes (the trouble is that we have seen far too many movies where our heroes walk through a hot sunny desert to their base) – this would be a more acceptable action pic. Certainly the pace up to the last half-hour is fast enough. There are some splendid action spots, excitingly staged, but otherwise director Guy Green's handling is rather humdrum and routine.
The script is the usual formula stuff. The total absence of any females will add to its appeal with some viewers – but not with me! The desert locations come across effectively and easily manage to dwarf the players, although Attenborough does manage to give his character a bit of depth. It's also interesting to see one of "B" movies' top stars, Dermot Walsh, in an uncredited role here as the commanding officer.
The script is the usual formula stuff. The total absence of any females will add to its appeal with some viewers – but not with me! The desert locations come across effectively and easily manage to dwarf the players, although Attenborough does manage to give his character a bit of depth. It's also interesting to see one of "B" movies' top stars, Dermot Walsh, in an uncredited role here as the commanding officer.