War Films : What War Films did you see? Nov, Dec 2016
1944 (2015) War on the Eastern Front
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CONTAINS SPOLIERS
1944 (2015)
This Estonian made war film takes place during July to November 1944. It starts with the battle of the Tannenberg Line where German and their Allied forces try to hold back the advancing Soviet Red Army.
The film follows a small detachment of Estonian troops who are fighting for the Germans. The battle is hard fought and results in massive losses to the Red Army. The Red Forces are however far too great and the Germans and Estonians are forced to retreat towards the coast. The first 45 minutes or so follows this group during the battle and retreat.
The film then shifts gear and follows another group of Estonians, this time the men are part of the Red Army. There is a brief fight between the two groups that ends once they realize they are all Estonian. The group fighting with the Germans withdraws leaving the field to the Red Army side. Now the film follows the Estonians who are fighting with the Reds as they advance.
The politics in play here are the same for both sides. In 1940 the U.S.S.R. annexed Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia all at the same time. (The Soviets received a bloody nose when they tried the same move on Finland) The Soviet occupation had been brutal with many killed or shipped off to camps. When the Germans swept through during their 1941 attack on the USSR, they were looked upon as liberators by many.
When the Germans put out a call for men to join an all Estonian unit to fight several thousand men signed up. (Several thousand more were drafted) Most join to get some payback on the USSR. The men fighting for the Reds were men drafted into the Red Army in 1941, or offered freedom from the camps if they fought for the Red Army. Both sides just wanted the war to end.
The film is quite well made with excellent attention to weapons, uniforms etc. The battle scenes are all well handled with plenty of pyrotechnics on display.
The film is a look at a rather unknown (in the west) story of World War Two and is worth the time imo.
1944 (2015)
This Estonian made war film takes place during July to November 1944. It starts with the battle of the Tannenberg Line where German and their Allied forces try to hold back the advancing Soviet Red Army.
The film follows a small detachment of Estonian troops who are fighting for the Germans. The battle is hard fought and results in massive losses to the Red Army. The Red Forces are however far too great and the Germans and Estonians are forced to retreat towards the coast. The first 45 minutes or so follows this group during the battle and retreat.
The film then shifts gear and follows another group of Estonians, this time the men are part of the Red Army. There is a brief fight between the two groups that ends once they realize they are all Estonian. The group fighting with the Germans withdraws leaving the field to the Red Army side. Now the film follows the Estonians who are fighting with the Reds as they advance.
The politics in play here are the same for both sides. In 1940 the U.S.S.R. annexed Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia all at the same time. (The Soviets received a bloody nose when they tried the same move on Finland) The Soviet occupation had been brutal with many killed or shipped off to camps. When the Germans swept through during their 1941 attack on the USSR, they were looked upon as liberators by many.
When the Germans put out a call for men to join an all Estonian unit to fight several thousand men signed up. (Several thousand more were drafted) Most join to get some payback on the USSR. The men fighting for the Reds were men drafted into the Red Army in 1941, or offered freedom from the camps if they fought for the Red Army. Both sides just wanted the war to end.
The film is quite well made with excellent attention to weapons, uniforms etc. The battle scenes are all well handled with plenty of pyrotechnics on display.
The film is a look at a rather unknown (in the west) story of World War Two and is worth the time imo.
Re: 1944 (2015) War on the Eastern Front
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I'll be watching this before the end of the week. Thanks
Last war movie I watched was Aces High a few days ago. Still a darn excellent film - hadn't seen it before.
Last war movie I watched was Aces High a few days ago. Still a darn excellent film - hadn't seen it before.
Re: 1944 (2015) War on the Eastern Front
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yeah, it was ok..
try 'the Blue Max" 1960s, if u have not seen it..
try 'the Blue Max" 1960s, if u have not seen it..
War TV: THE SILENT SERVICE "Peto plucks some Chickens" 1958
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CONTAINS SPOILERS
THE SILENT SERVICE "Peto plucks some Chickens" 1958
This is the 47th episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.
Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.
This episode is about the USS "Peto". The "Peto" was the first US submarine built at an inland shipyard. After her 1943 construction, the submarine was moved down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico for final fitting out.
This episode is about the 10th and last wartime patrol of the "Peto". It is July 1945 and the submarine is on lifeguard duty off the coast of Japan. Her mission is to pick up any downed American aircrew who ditch.
The "Peto" is called in to rescue the crew of an American flying boat. The Martin Mariner had landed to pick up another down pilot and was damaged. The flying boat is sinking fast and the crew now needs rescue themselves. The problem here is that the flying boat had alighted in an area known to be mined.
The "Peto" of course charges in anyway and grabs up the 9 downed fly-boy types. The next day the submarine is called in to pick up several more ditched fly-boys. One of the pilots is badly hurt having collected a 20mm round through his leg. The "Peto" is again on the spot for a successful grab.
The "Peto" completed 10 wartime patrols sinking at least 6 Japanese vessels and damaging several more. The submarine was put into reserve after the war. In 1956 she was serving as a training submarine. In 1960 the "Peto" was sold for scrapping.
The cast includes, Gregory Walcott, Joe Flynn and Don Megowan. The 6 foot 4 Walcott and 6 foot 5 Megowan would have too large for submarine duty in real life. Greg Walcott was best known for supporting bits in many films and television series. He was a regular on several Clint Eastwood films such as JOE KIDD.
THE SILENT SERVICE "Peto plucks some Chickens" 1958
This is the 47th episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.
Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.
This episode is about the USS "Peto". The "Peto" was the first US submarine built at an inland shipyard. After her 1943 construction, the submarine was moved down the Mississippi River to the Gulf of Mexico for final fitting out.
This episode is about the 10th and last wartime patrol of the "Peto". It is July 1945 and the submarine is on lifeguard duty off the coast of Japan. Her mission is to pick up any downed American aircrew who ditch.
The "Peto" is called in to rescue the crew of an American flying boat. The Martin Mariner had landed to pick up another down pilot and was damaged. The flying boat is sinking fast and the crew now needs rescue themselves. The problem here is that the flying boat had alighted in an area known to be mined.
The "Peto" of course charges in anyway and grabs up the 9 downed fly-boy types. The next day the submarine is called in to pick up several more ditched fly-boys. One of the pilots is badly hurt having collected a 20mm round through his leg. The "Peto" is again on the spot for a successful grab.
The "Peto" completed 10 wartime patrols sinking at least 6 Japanese vessels and damaging several more. The submarine was put into reserve after the war. In 1956 she was serving as a training submarine. In 1960 the "Peto" was sold for scrapping.
The cast includes, Gregory Walcott, Joe Flynn and Don Megowan. The 6 foot 4 Walcott and 6 foot 5 Megowan would have too large for submarine duty in real life. Greg Walcott was best known for supporting bits in many films and television series. He was a regular on several Clint Eastwood films such as JOE KIDD.
BLACK SHEEP aka "Schwartzes Schap" 2016 Impressive Effort
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CONTAINS SPOILERS
BLACK SHEEP aka "Schwartzes Schap" 2016
This impressive short is a real nasty jewel of a war film. The 57 minute quickie was written, produced, edited, scored and directed by newcomer, Mitchell James Huberty. It looks like Huberty put his whole family to work on this production. Other than one or two professional actors, the production was made by amateurs. And they all do a hell of a job!
The film is set in the summer of 1943 in the deep forests of eastern Poland. A small detachment of SS troops are on an anti-partisan sweep through the country side. Their enemy are Polish partisans and a few Soviet Red Army soldiers that were left behind during the retreat of 1941.
The film focuses on one particular SS private and one particular partisan. Both their background stories are similar and both would rather be elsewhere. The daily grind for the SS troopers is checking the homes and farms of the locals. Whenever evidence of anyone aiding the partisans is found, it is up against the wall for a firing squad. For the partisans, it is raiding German supply trucks and ambushing the opposing forces.
The locals are caught between the old rock and a hard place. The Germans shoot them if they help the partisans, while the partisans do likewise if they collaborate with the Germans. For the most part, the SS types are the winners in the battles in the woods. This anti-partisan war was a particularly nasty conflict with no quarter given by either side.
What really stands out here is the attention to weapon and uniform details. All are accurate to the period. There is also no English spoken in the film. It is all German, Polish or Russian which adds to the film's dramatic impact. The look of the film is top flight with the battle scenes in particular standing out.
Other than actor, Jeremiah Turner, there is not a soul I recognize in the film. Director Huberty also plays one of the major roles in the film. If this was a film school project, then it is a barn-burner of a success. Huberty is destined for big things if this is an example of his skill.
Well done by everyone involved.
BLACK SHEEP aka "Schwartzes Schap" 2016
This impressive short is a real nasty jewel of a war film. The 57 minute quickie was written, produced, edited, scored and directed by newcomer, Mitchell James Huberty. It looks like Huberty put his whole family to work on this production. Other than one or two professional actors, the production was made by amateurs. And they all do a hell of a job!
The film is set in the summer of 1943 in the deep forests of eastern Poland. A small detachment of SS troops are on an anti-partisan sweep through the country side. Their enemy are Polish partisans and a few Soviet Red Army soldiers that were left behind during the retreat of 1941.
The film focuses on one particular SS private and one particular partisan. Both their background stories are similar and both would rather be elsewhere. The daily grind for the SS troopers is checking the homes and farms of the locals. Whenever evidence of anyone aiding the partisans is found, it is up against the wall for a firing squad. For the partisans, it is raiding German supply trucks and ambushing the opposing forces.
The locals are caught between the old rock and a hard place. The Germans shoot them if they help the partisans, while the partisans do likewise if they collaborate with the Germans. For the most part, the SS types are the winners in the battles in the woods. This anti-partisan war was a particularly nasty conflict with no quarter given by either side.
What really stands out here is the attention to weapon and uniform details. All are accurate to the period. There is also no English spoken in the film. It is all German, Polish or Russian which adds to the film's dramatic impact. The look of the film is top flight with the battle scenes in particular standing out.
Other than actor, Jeremiah Turner, there is not a soul I recognize in the film. Director Huberty also plays one of the major roles in the film. If this was a film school project, then it is a barn-burner of a success. Huberty is destined for big things if this is an example of his skill.
Well done by everyone involved.
War TV: FLIGHT "Chopper Four" 1959
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CONTAINS SPOILERS
FLIGHT "Chopper Four" 1959
FLIGHT was a military television series that ran on in syndication on U.S. TV during 1958 and 1959. The series had the full cooperation of the US Airforce for the production of the 38 episode run. This is the 33rd episode of the production run.
This episode is set in Feb. 1945, and deals with one of the first uses of an early Sikorsky R-4 helicopter in the Pacific Theater. The action takes place 50 miles outside of Manila in the Philippines. The US forces are engaged in mopping up the last of the Japanese Army.
Due to the dense jungle and hills, the US Army is having trouble evacuating their wounded. One of the newly arrived chopper pilots, Robert Knapp, offers to fly out and pick up some wounded. The small R-4 can at most carry Knapp and 2 others. He flies out towards the area but is soon under fire from the Japanese. The rather under powered R-4 is an easy target and Knapp is slightly wounded. He returns to the base for repairs to the copter and himself.
He has the mechanics install an extra fuel tank so he can go around the area where the Japanese are. He flies out again and reaches the US forces. There is a big problem now. There are two seriously wounded men who must be flown out. They only have hours to reach surgery or die the medic tells Knapp. With the extra fuel tank, Knapp figures he can only carry one man and still avoid the Japanese.
Knapp has a flash and has the Marines load up both wounded. He also takes an armload of mortar rounds. He is going to fly right over the Japanese while tossing mortar rounds out. He hopes that will keep the Japanese heads down. The gag works and Knapp gets the wounded to aid in time.
If the viewer is a military aircraft buff, then this series is for you.
FLIGHT "Chopper Four" 1959
FLIGHT was a military television series that ran on in syndication on U.S. TV during 1958 and 1959. The series had the full cooperation of the US Airforce for the production of the 38 episode run. This is the 33rd episode of the production run.
This episode is set in Feb. 1945, and deals with one of the first uses of an early Sikorsky R-4 helicopter in the Pacific Theater. The action takes place 50 miles outside of Manila in the Philippines. The US forces are engaged in mopping up the last of the Japanese Army.
Due to the dense jungle and hills, the US Army is having trouble evacuating their wounded. One of the newly arrived chopper pilots, Robert Knapp, offers to fly out and pick up some wounded. The small R-4 can at most carry Knapp and 2 others. He flies out towards the area but is soon under fire from the Japanese. The rather under powered R-4 is an easy target and Knapp is slightly wounded. He returns to the base for repairs to the copter and himself.
He has the mechanics install an extra fuel tank so he can go around the area where the Japanese are. He flies out again and reaches the US forces. There is a big problem now. There are two seriously wounded men who must be flown out. They only have hours to reach surgery or die the medic tells Knapp. With the extra fuel tank, Knapp figures he can only carry one man and still avoid the Japanese.
Knapp has a flash and has the Marines load up both wounded. He also takes an armload of mortar rounds. He is going to fly right over the Japanese while tossing mortar rounds out. He hopes that will keep the Japanese heads down. The gag works and Knapp gets the wounded to aid in time.
If the viewer is a military aircraft buff, then this series is for you.
War Tv: THE SILENT SERVICE "The S-38 Story" 1958
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CONTAINS SPOILERS
THE SILENT SERVICE "The S-38 Story" 1958
This is the 48th episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.
Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.
This episode is the second episode to deal with the USS "S-38". The "S-38" was one of the oldest submarines in service with the Navy. It was based in the Philippines when the war started. After the Philippines became untenable, the submarine was sent to Java in the Dutch East Indies.
In Feb. 1942, the "S-38" was sent out on patrol to find the approaching Japanese invasion fleet. She first stopped off to do a bit of shore bombardment on a recently captured Japanese port.
Of Feb 27th the submarine could see star shell exploding on the horizon. The ship's Captain, Steve Brodie, figured the Combined Allied Fleet had met up with the Japanese. He was right. The American, British and Dutch fleet was thumped in the Battle of the Java Sea.
The next day, the "S-38" finds survivors from the Royal Navy destroyer, "HMS Electra". The 40 or so men are brought on board and the submarine heads for Java. She drops off the Royal Navy personal and heads off to Australia. The island of Java would be invaded three days later.
Sometime later, they meet some of the Royal Navy survivors in Australia. That is the ones who had been lucky enough to escape from Java.
The "S-38"was considered a rather unlucky ship with many mechanical problems popping up during her wartime patrols. These would cause the ship to return early from most wartime patrols. The ship was finally decommissioned in 1944 and expended as an aircraft target in Feb 1945.
Besides Steve Brodie, the cast includes, Robin Hughes, Patrick Waltz, Steve Mitchell and Barry Marvin.
Check out episode 15 for an earlier tale of this particular submarine.
THE SILENT SERVICE "The S-38 Story" 1958
This is the 48th episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.
Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.
This episode is the second episode to deal with the USS "S-38". The "S-38" was one of the oldest submarines in service with the Navy. It was based in the Philippines when the war started. After the Philippines became untenable, the submarine was sent to Java in the Dutch East Indies.
In Feb. 1942, the "S-38" was sent out on patrol to find the approaching Japanese invasion fleet. She first stopped off to do a bit of shore bombardment on a recently captured Japanese port.
Of Feb 27th the submarine could see star shell exploding on the horizon. The ship's Captain, Steve Brodie, figured the Combined Allied Fleet had met up with the Japanese. He was right. The American, British and Dutch fleet was thumped in the Battle of the Java Sea.
The next day, the "S-38" finds survivors from the Royal Navy destroyer, "HMS Electra". The 40 or so men are brought on board and the submarine heads for Java. She drops off the Royal Navy personal and heads off to Australia. The island of Java would be invaded three days later.
Sometime later, they meet some of the Royal Navy survivors in Australia. That is the ones who had been lucky enough to escape from Java.
The "S-38"was considered a rather unlucky ship with many mechanical problems popping up during her wartime patrols. These would cause the ship to return early from most wartime patrols. The ship was finally decommissioned in 1944 and expended as an aircraft target in Feb 1945.
Besides Steve Brodie, the cast includes, Robin Hughes, Patrick Waltz, Steve Mitchell and Barry Marvin.
Check out episode 15 for an earlier tale of this particular submarine.
"A Time to Love and a Time to Die" (1958)
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A Time to Love and a Time to Die (first viewing):
I was extremely impressed with this film. I wanted to see it because Jim Hutton's in it and someone (I forget who) recommended it. I loved it! The cinematography is stunning. The acting is superb. The leading actors were terrific, and I love Jim's brief role as a shell-shocked soldier. He did a great job and I think that he could have handled the leading role if it had been offered to him. Very heartbreaking ending, but not all that surprising.
Okay, so these are German soldiers. Other European countries would have had similar difficulties with bombings, people frightened, people losing their homes, etc. They did a good job of showing what kind of terror many Europeans faced. Besides, even in Germany, there would have been people who just wanted peace instead of war. Not everyone would have been like that Gestapo friend of the main character's.
As for the ending, I wonder if the poor widow would have ever found out that her sweetheart died? And they were expecting a child.geez.
My only problem with the film is that the leading lady was made up to look like 1950s Audrey Hepburn rather than like a lady from the early forties. A minor detail, but she really did have the wrong hairdo for 1944. (I realize that on a board full of Gentlemen this might seem like a silly thing to say, but it makes a difference.) Oh well, I guess I can't have it all. The cinematography was stunning. They should have gotten Oscar noms for it. Maybe they did. I'll check.
~~~~~
Jim Hutton (1934-79) & Ellery Queen =
I was extremely impressed with this film. I wanted to see it because Jim Hutton's in it and someone (I forget who) recommended it. I loved it! The cinematography is stunning. The acting is superb. The leading actors were terrific, and I love Jim's brief role as a shell-shocked soldier. He did a great job and I think that he could have handled the leading role if it had been offered to him. Very heartbreaking ending, but not all that surprising.
Okay, so these are German soldiers. Other European countries would have had similar difficulties with bombings, people frightened, people losing their homes, etc. They did a good job of showing what kind of terror many Europeans faced. Besides, even in Germany, there would have been people who just wanted peace instead of war. Not everyone would have been like that Gestapo friend of the main character's.
As for the ending, I wonder if the poor widow would have ever found out that her sweetheart died? And they were expecting a child.geez.
My only problem with the film is that the leading lady was made up to look like 1950s Audrey Hepburn rather than like a lady from the early forties. A minor detail, but she really did have the wrong hairdo for 1944. (I realize that on a board full of Gentlemen this might seem like a silly thing to say, but it makes a difference.) Oh well, I guess I can't have it all. The cinematography was stunning. They should have gotten Oscar noms for it. Maybe they did. I'll check.
~~~~~
Jim Hutton (1934-79) & Ellery Queen =
Re: "A Time to Love and a Time to Die" (1958)
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I hope you'll make this one a priority. It's an amazing film. It really gives viewers a feel for what many Europeans had to go through, with their homes being bombed and all.
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Jim Hutton (1934-79) & Ellery Queen =
~~~~~
Jim Hutton (1934-79) & Ellery Queen =
Re: "A Time to Love and a Time to Die" (1958)
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I had an old 50s or 60s paperback of this title, maybe I still have..
had dude in German infantry coat and helmet embracing wife, on cover..
Had to think for a minute, was I confusing it with that one about the German woman in Berlin under Soviet Occupation'Komm, Frau' kind of thingor is it the same one?
had dude in German infantry coat and helmet embracing wife, on cover..
Had to think for a minute, was I confusing it with that one about the German woman in Berlin under Soviet Occupation'Komm, Frau' kind of thingor is it the same one?
Re: "A Time to Love and a Time to Die" (1958)
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Hmmmmnot sure! Apparently this film is based on a novel
~~~~~
Jim Hutton (1934-79) & Ellery Queen =
~~~~~
Jim Hutton (1934-79) & Ellery Queen =
War TV: THE SILENT SERVICE "Incident Down South" 1958
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CONTAINS SPOILERS
THE SILENT SERVICE "Incident Down South" 1958
This is the 49th episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.
Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.
This episode is about the U.S.S. "Tarpon". It is January 1942 and the "Tarpon" is sent out from Australia to look for Japanese ships heading toward the Dutch East Indies. The "Tarpon" had been based in the Philippines at the start of the war before escaping to Australia. The boat is sorely in need of repairs and a refit, but the situation is desperate and all ships are needed.
The "Tarpon" sights a large Japanese ship in the distance and gives chase. One of the submarine's diesel engines now gives up the ghost. The "Tarpon" cannot keep up with the target and is forced to give up the attack. She continues on to her patrol area.
More bad luck rears its head again as the submarine runs aground on a reef off Flores Island. The submarine now needs to wait for high tide to try and escape. A Dutch missionary and several natives canoe out to the submarine. The missionary tells the ship's Captain, Ed Kemmer that high tide is not for a good 10 hours.
Kemmer and his executive officer, Gardner McKay have the crew jettison all extra equipment. They toss everything not bolted down and fire off all the torpedoes. Even lightened, the "Tarpon" refuses to float off. They will need to wait till high tide. The motor room crew finally manage to jury rig a repair to the failed engine. With high tide and the extra power, the "Tarpon" pulls itself off the reef. And just in time as a flight of Japanese aircraft has appeared on the scene. The submarine dives to safety and head back to base in Australia.
The "Tarpon" would complete 11 wartime patrols sinking at least 6 enemy vessels. The submarine was used for training until 1956 and was then sold for scrap. The "Tarpon" floundered while under tow off Cape Hatteras in August 1957. (So many ships have been lost off Cape Hatteras that the area is known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic)
Of note here, is one of the ships that was sunk by "Tarpon". The German surface raider "Michel" was destroyed on Oct 16 1943 just off Japan. The disguised raider "Michel" was responsible for the destruction of 15 Allied vessels during two voyages.
Actor Gardner McKay would later headline the popular South Seas series, ADVENTURES IN PARADISE for 91 episodes between 1959 and 1962.
THE SILENT SERVICE "Incident Down South" 1958
This is the 49th episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.
Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.
This episode is about the U.S.S. "Tarpon". It is January 1942 and the "Tarpon" is sent out from Australia to look for Japanese ships heading toward the Dutch East Indies. The "Tarpon" had been based in the Philippines at the start of the war before escaping to Australia. The boat is sorely in need of repairs and a refit, but the situation is desperate and all ships are needed.
The "Tarpon" sights a large Japanese ship in the distance and gives chase. One of the submarine's diesel engines now gives up the ghost. The "Tarpon" cannot keep up with the target and is forced to give up the attack. She continues on to her patrol area.
More bad luck rears its head again as the submarine runs aground on a reef off Flores Island. The submarine now needs to wait for high tide to try and escape. A Dutch missionary and several natives canoe out to the submarine. The missionary tells the ship's Captain, Ed Kemmer that high tide is not for a good 10 hours.
Kemmer and his executive officer, Gardner McKay have the crew jettison all extra equipment. They toss everything not bolted down and fire off all the torpedoes. Even lightened, the "Tarpon" refuses to float off. They will need to wait till high tide. The motor room crew finally manage to jury rig a repair to the failed engine. With high tide and the extra power, the "Tarpon" pulls itself off the reef. And just in time as a flight of Japanese aircraft has appeared on the scene. The submarine dives to safety and head back to base in Australia.
The "Tarpon" would complete 11 wartime patrols sinking at least 6 enemy vessels. The submarine was used for training until 1956 and was then sold for scrap. The "Tarpon" floundered while under tow off Cape Hatteras in August 1957. (So many ships have been lost off Cape Hatteras that the area is known as the Graveyard of the Atlantic)
Of note here, is one of the ships that was sunk by "Tarpon". The German surface raider "Michel" was destroyed on Oct 16 1943 just off Japan. The disguised raider "Michel" was responsible for the destruction of 15 Allied vessels during two voyages.
Actor Gardner McKay would later headline the popular South Seas series, ADVENTURES IN PARADISE for 91 episodes between 1959 and 1962.
SEA OF SAND 1958 War in North Africa
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CONTAINS SPOILERS
SEA OF SAND 1958
This filmed on location UK war film is much better than I was expecting. It tells the story of a patrol of the "Long Range Desert Group". This unit was tasked with recon work behind Axis lines during the Western Desert campaign of WW2. They also engaged is destroying enemy fuel and supply dumps, as well as airfields.
This particular patrol is led by Michael Craig with John Gregson as second in command. The rest of the group includes, Richard Attenborough, Vincent Ball, Percy Hebert, Ray McNally, Barry Foster and Andrew Faulds among others. The men are being sent on a raid of an Afrika Korps supply dump.
Thing quickly hit a snag when they have a run in with a German armoured car. The duel results in the destruction of the German vehicle, but also the loss of one of the raiding trucks and several men killed. Evading further patrols and enemy aircraft, the remaining trucks come up on the supply dump. They sneak in at night and set explosive charges throughout the supplies. The German's tumble to their presence and a big firefight ensues. The explosives go off which provides some cover for their withdrawal from the area.
They however stumble into a German ambush and lose more men and trucks. The survivors need to make it back to headquarters to report on a number of armored fighting vehicles they discovered. These tanks could give the Allies a nasty shock when the Allies launch their upcoming counter-offensive against Rommel and company.
The German's were of course less than pleased with the attack on their supply dump. They send out a patrol of half-tracks to hunt down the British. The British are soon losing trucks and men as they try to get the vital info to their lines. Their radio is shot all to hell and of no use.
What I like about this film is the no nonsense approach to war it takes. None of that stiff upper lip stuff. Just people doing what they must to survive.
Everyone in the cast is quite good with Craig, Gregson, Attenborough and Hebert in particular shining.
The director was Oscar winning cinematographer, turned director, Guy Green. Green started out working the cameras for the great, David Lean. Well worth the time investment.
SEA OF SAND 1958
This filmed on location UK war film is much better than I was expecting. It tells the story of a patrol of the "Long Range Desert Group". This unit was tasked with recon work behind Axis lines during the Western Desert campaign of WW2. They also engaged is destroying enemy fuel and supply dumps, as well as airfields.
This particular patrol is led by Michael Craig with John Gregson as second in command. The rest of the group includes, Richard Attenborough, Vincent Ball, Percy Hebert, Ray McNally, Barry Foster and Andrew Faulds among others. The men are being sent on a raid of an Afrika Korps supply dump.
Thing quickly hit a snag when they have a run in with a German armoured car. The duel results in the destruction of the German vehicle, but also the loss of one of the raiding trucks and several men killed. Evading further patrols and enemy aircraft, the remaining trucks come up on the supply dump. They sneak in at night and set explosive charges throughout the supplies. The German's tumble to their presence and a big firefight ensues. The explosives go off which provides some cover for their withdrawal from the area.
They however stumble into a German ambush and lose more men and trucks. The survivors need to make it back to headquarters to report on a number of armored fighting vehicles they discovered. These tanks could give the Allies a nasty shock when the Allies launch their upcoming counter-offensive against Rommel and company.
The German's were of course less than pleased with the attack on their supply dump. They send out a patrol of half-tracks to hunt down the British. The British are soon losing trucks and men as they try to get the vital info to their lines. Their radio is shot all to hell and of no use.
What I like about this film is the no nonsense approach to war it takes. None of that stiff upper lip stuff. Just people doing what they must to survive.
Everyone in the cast is quite good with Craig, Gregson, Attenborough and Hebert in particular shining.
The director was Oscar winning cinematographer, turned director, Guy Green. Green started out working the cameras for the great, David Lean. Well worth the time investment.
Re: SEA OF SAND 1958 War in North Africa
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hing quickly hit a snag when they have a run in with a German armoured car. The duel results in the destruction of the German vehicle, but also the loss of one of the raiding trucks and several men kill
They however stumble into a German ambush and lose more men and trucks. The
yesthey possibly need some more training in the stealth/evasion side of being an LRDG..looks like they stick out like dog's nuts and more Germans are aware of them than know Hitler's birthday..
Re: SEA OF SAND 1958 War in North Africa
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LOL. At least all the Axis boys did not all drop dead at the mere sight of the Brits.
SECRET AGENT OF JAPAN : 1942 Spy Action
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CONTAINS SPOILERS
SECRET AGENT OF JAPAN : 1942
This Twentieth Century Fox production was quite possibly the first anti-Japanese film released after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It went into production on Dec 8th 1941. It was in the theatres by the end of April 1942.
The film is set in Shanghai, China, a week before the day of infamy. Preston Foster owns a night club and gambling house in the International quarter of the Japanese controlled city. Foster has been on the lam for years from a murder beef in the United States.
Foster is always fending off buyers who wish to take over the profitable venture. These include the local Japanese big wig, Noel Madison, Nazi Kurt Katch, and Chinese lawyer, Victor Sen Yung. Foster likes things the way they are and blows off the offers. Also in the mix is the Russian exile, Steven Geary.
One evening, a ravishing brunette, Lynn Bari, enters the club looking for a letter addressed to a certain sea Captain. The club is used as a mail drop by numerous European and American ex-pats. Foster is impressed with the fine looking Bari, but refuses to turn over any mail. Also in the club is pretty blonde, Janis Carter. Carter and Bari seem to know each other. This is confirmed when Carter slips a cigarette case to Bari. Inside is a message about a meeting.
Next thing the viewer discovers, is that damn near everyone in the place seems to be a spy for some country or another. There are Japanese, Nazi, and British secret service types as thick as flies. Also in the place is an American cop, Addison Richards, who has been tracking Foster around the world.
Anyways, bodies soon start to pile up, and Foster is caught in the middle of the mess. Everyone seems to be after the some piece of jade that contains a secret file. Someone bumps off Miss Carter and stuffs her in a closet in Foster's office. The Police are soon pounding on the doors.
Foster decides it is time to blow this burg, but his getaway cash has been lifted. He is now forced to join in the hunt for the jade piece. He hopes to use the item to bargain his way out of trouble. Instead, he just ends up further up the proverbial creek. To make matters worse, the Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor and they now occupy the International quarter.
Foster throws himself in with British spy, Bari. They have managed to get the jade piece away from the Japanese. They are helped in this by the Chinese underground, who thoughtfully supply an aircraft to fly them to safety. The information hidden in the jade piece is a list of Japanese agents operating in the West.
The story is by John Larkin, who penned a half dozen or so 'Charlie Chan" films. This film is not one of his better efforts. It is full of plot holes and the like. There are a few snappy lines delivered by Foster, but this is not enough to forgive the sloppy writing. The direction is strictly pedestrian with former actor, turned helmsman, Irving Pichel at the controls. Pichel is best known for the 50's sci-fi classic, "Destination Moon", the Randolph Scott duster, "Santa Fe" and the film noir, "They Won't Believe Me" and "Quicksand".
The look of the film though is quite good with veteran cinematographer, Lucien Andriot, doing the lensing. Andriot was active from 1909 to 1960.
Though the film was panned by the critics as a rather slipshod production (I agree here) the film made box loads of cash for Twentieth Century Fox, and was one of the studio's biggest hits of 1942.
Personally, I'm willing to watch Miss Bari in anything. She was not referred to as The Woo Woo Girl for nothing. What a stunner!
SECRET AGENT OF JAPAN : 1942
This Twentieth Century Fox production was quite possibly the first anti-Japanese film released after the attack on Pearl Harbor. It went into production on Dec 8th 1941. It was in the theatres by the end of April 1942.
The film is set in Shanghai, China, a week before the day of infamy. Preston Foster owns a night club and gambling house in the International quarter of the Japanese controlled city. Foster has been on the lam for years from a murder beef in the United States.
Foster is always fending off buyers who wish to take over the profitable venture. These include the local Japanese big wig, Noel Madison, Nazi Kurt Katch, and Chinese lawyer, Victor Sen Yung. Foster likes things the way they are and blows off the offers. Also in the mix is the Russian exile, Steven Geary.
One evening, a ravishing brunette, Lynn Bari, enters the club looking for a letter addressed to a certain sea Captain. The club is used as a mail drop by numerous European and American ex-pats. Foster is impressed with the fine looking Bari, but refuses to turn over any mail. Also in the club is pretty blonde, Janis Carter. Carter and Bari seem to know each other. This is confirmed when Carter slips a cigarette case to Bari. Inside is a message about a meeting.
Next thing the viewer discovers, is that damn near everyone in the place seems to be a spy for some country or another. There are Japanese, Nazi, and British secret service types as thick as flies. Also in the place is an American cop, Addison Richards, who has been tracking Foster around the world.
Anyways, bodies soon start to pile up, and Foster is caught in the middle of the mess. Everyone seems to be after the some piece of jade that contains a secret file. Someone bumps off Miss Carter and stuffs her in a closet in Foster's office. The Police are soon pounding on the doors.
Foster decides it is time to blow this burg, but his getaway cash has been lifted. He is now forced to join in the hunt for the jade piece. He hopes to use the item to bargain his way out of trouble. Instead, he just ends up further up the proverbial creek. To make matters worse, the Japanese have attacked Pearl Harbor and they now occupy the International quarter.
Foster throws himself in with British spy, Bari. They have managed to get the jade piece away from the Japanese. They are helped in this by the Chinese underground, who thoughtfully supply an aircraft to fly them to safety. The information hidden in the jade piece is a list of Japanese agents operating in the West.
The story is by John Larkin, who penned a half dozen or so 'Charlie Chan" films. This film is not one of his better efforts. It is full of plot holes and the like. There are a few snappy lines delivered by Foster, but this is not enough to forgive the sloppy writing. The direction is strictly pedestrian with former actor, turned helmsman, Irving Pichel at the controls. Pichel is best known for the 50's sci-fi classic, "Destination Moon", the Randolph Scott duster, "Santa Fe" and the film noir, "They Won't Believe Me" and "Quicksand".
The look of the film though is quite good with veteran cinematographer, Lucien Andriot, doing the lensing. Andriot was active from 1909 to 1960.
Though the film was panned by the critics as a rather slipshod production (I agree here) the film made box loads of cash for Twentieth Century Fox, and was one of the studio's biggest hits of 1942.
Personally, I'm willing to watch Miss Bari in anything. She was not referred to as The Woo Woo Girl for nothing. What a stunner!
War Tv: THE SILENT SERVICE "Mine for Keeps" 1958
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CONTAINS SPOILERS
THE SILENT SERVICE "Mine for Keeps" 1958
This is the 50th episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.
Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.
This episode is about the U.S.S. "Trigger". It is December 1942 and the "Trigger" is sent out on her third patrol. The mission is a combined mine-laying and hunting patrol. The mining begins off the Japanese home island of Honshu. The Japanese merchant fleet has been hugging the coast of late. It is hoped that planting mines will chase them out into deep water where the US submarines can get them.
The "Trigger" has just finished laying her 24 mines when the field claims its first victim, a Japanese cargo vessel. The "Trigger" then scores with a torpedo attack on several other cargo ships. Later in the patrol, the submarine sinks the Japanese destroyer, "Okikaze". On January 22 1943 the "Trigger" sets sail for home after a most successful mission.
The USS "Trigger" was a very successful submarine sinking a total of 18 Japanese vessels during 12 patrols. She also damaged the Japanese aircraft carrier, Hiyo. The "Trigger" failed to return from her 12th patrol in late March 1945. She was taken off the Navy Register on July 11, 1945.
The cast is made up of, Robert Foulk, KL Smith, Carl Betz and Russell Johnson. Johnson played the Prof. on the popular 1960's staple, GILLIGAN'S ISLAND.
THE SILENT SERVICE "Mine for Keeps" 1958
This is the 50th episode of the U.S. war series, "The Silent Service". The series was about the exploits of the U.S. Navy's submarine fleet. Each episode is a stand-alone tale of the actions of a particular submarine. Most of the stories are about actions against the Japanese Navy and merchant fleet in the Pacific. There is also the odd tale from the Korean conflict. The series ran for 78 episodes during 1957 and 1958. The stories were all based on actual events. Some pretty good attention to detail here with the U.S Navy allowing filming on several WW 2 era Gato class subs.
Each episode started and ended with retired Real Admiral Thomas M. Dykers giving a breakdown of the action. Dykers became a writer, producer and technical adviser after leaving the service. He worked on films such as, TORPEDO ALLEY, FLAT TOP, THE FROGMEN, HELL AND HIGH WATER and SUBMARINE COMMAND.
This episode is about the U.S.S. "Trigger". It is December 1942 and the "Trigger" is sent out on her third patrol. The mission is a combined mine-laying and hunting patrol. The mining begins off the Japanese home island of Honshu. The Japanese merchant fleet has been hugging the coast of late. It is hoped that planting mines will chase them out into deep water where the US submarines can get them.
The "Trigger" has just finished laying her 24 mines when the field claims its first victim, a Japanese cargo vessel. The "Trigger" then scores with a torpedo attack on several other cargo ships. Later in the patrol, the submarine sinks the Japanese destroyer, "Okikaze". On January 22 1943 the "Trigger" sets sail for home after a most successful mission.
The USS "Trigger" was a very successful submarine sinking a total of 18 Japanese vessels during 12 patrols. She also damaged the Japanese aircraft carrier, Hiyo. The "Trigger" failed to return from her 12th patrol in late March 1945. She was taken off the Navy Register on July 11, 1945.
The cast is made up of, Robert Foulk, KL Smith, Carl Betz and Russell Johnson. Johnson played the Prof. on the popular 1960's staple, GILLIGAN'S ISLAND.
What War Films did you see? Nov, Dec 2016
War films are a genre of film, an important one in fact. It has many splinters, from historical swords and sandals battles - to the World Wars and up to the present day horrors still being fought in far off lands that are alien to most of us. It's a genre of film that can excite and horrify in equal measure.
So what films have you seen of late?