War Films : What War Films Have You Seen? 2016 Edition.

What War Films Have You Seen? 2016 Edition.

Greetings Warmongers and Warriors of the celluloid loving form.

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.

The War Films board has a slow turnover of users, and it deserves better. I personally have hosted similar threads on all the main film boards over the years, even breathing life into some boards that were close to extinction! Sooo, this thread runs for 4 months at a time and the format is simple, it's designed for fans of War Films to post reviews, comments, questions, and just general fawnings of a genre of film making that we love. All posts will be read and respected here, dip in and out when you please or post every day, the important thing is that we learn and share about the multitude of great War Films out there. And of course get warned about the stinkers as well.



The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

War TV: THE SILENT SERVICE "The Sea Dragon Story" 1957

CONTAINS SPOILERS

THE SILENT SERVICE "The Sea Dragon Story" 1957

This is the 23rd 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. "Sea Dragon". It is December 1942 and the "Sea Dragon" is patrolling off the Bismarck Archipelago looking for targets heading towards the Japanese base at Rabaul. There are several failed attacks on Japanese convoys headed for New Guinea. These draw a quick and nasty response from the convoy escorts.

The "Sea Dragon" is forced deep and subjected to 16 hours of depth charges. The "Sea Dragon" crew are having problems with a lack of oxygen due to malfunctioning air scrubbers. The C02 levels are rising to dangerous levels. The submarine will be forced to surface if the attacks continue.

The "Sea Dragon" catches a break as the Japanese escorts move off. The submarine surfaces and the fresh air is most welcome to the crew. The "Sea Dragon" though is not off the hook yet, as they are being stalked by a Japanese submarine. There is an exchange of tin fish between the two submarines before the "Sea Dragon" makes off at full speed. It is time for a return to base.

The cast includes, Lance Fuller, Rudy Solari, Murvyn Vye, Peter Hansen and Bernie Rich.

The "Sea Dragon" would complete 12 wartime patrols sinking at least 6 Japanese ships and damaging several more. The "Sea Dragon" was decommissioned in 1946 and sold for scrap in 1948.

Re: War TV: THE SILENT SERVICE "The Sea Dragon Story" 1957

The Silent Service (1957) - The Sea Dragon Story (1957)

I spose they had to scrap all of these, otherwise there would be an ocean graveyard of relics, but still a shame.

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

War TV: 12 O'CLOCK HIGH "Follow the Leader" 1964

CONTAINS SPOILERS

12 O'CLOCK HIGH "Follow the Leader" 1964

12 O'CLOCK HIGH was a television series about the fictitious 918th Bomber Group of the U.S. Air Force. The Group flew Boeing B-17 bombers and was based out of Archbury Field in England. The series ran for a total of 78 episodes between 1964 and 1967. Regular cast members included, Robert Lansing, Frank Overton, Paul Burke, Chris Robinson and Barney Philips. The series is loosely based on the superb 1949 film of the same name. This episode is the second episode of the series.

The Group is on a raid over occupied Europe. The commanding officer's (Robert Lansig) aircraft is leading the first section on the bombing run. The German Luftwaffe now strikes the group downing several B-17's and shooting up Lansing's aircraft. The ship's bombardier, Andrew Prine, is rattled when the B-17's navigator is hit. Prine drops the bombs but most are off target.

The surviving B-17 aircraft head for England and their home base. The navigator does not live to see medical aid. The upset Prine is having a real problem dealing with the death. The navigator had been his best friend since flight school.

The recon photos now come in. The photos show that the raid was not a success. Lansing needs to find a way to improve the bombing accuracy. He calls in Prine and tells him he is now the number one bombardier for the entire group. When Prine lets his bombs go, the entire group will drop at the same time.

The next raid is on a target in Holland. Prine is still upset over losing his pal and now he has the added responsibility of calling the target for the entire group. Needless to say he blows the assignment. The group misses the target and kills a large number of Dutch civilians.

Lansing gets an earful from Headquarters after the Dutch Government in exile complains about the raid. Lansing is still sure that the idea of a mass drop is sound. They will return to said target and give it another go. Lansing has a quiet talk with Prine about overcoming nerves etc.

The repeat raid goes off like clockwork with Prine planting his cargo right on target. The rest of the group follows suit and the target is destroyed.

Also in the cast are, Bert Remsen, Jud Taylor, Dan Barton and in a small bit, the future wife of Burt Reynolds, Judy Carne.

The series makes ample use of combat footage as well as outtakes from the film of the same name. Apparently the series only had the use of one real B-17 for filming. The aircraft was repainted with new nose art as needed to portray various other B-17's.

Re: War TV: 12 O'CLOCK HIGH "Follow the Leader" 1964

12 O'Clock High (1964) - Follow the Leader (1964)


Apparently the series only had the use of one real B-17 for filming. The aircraft was repainted with new nose art as needed to portray various other B-17's.


Blimey!

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: War TV: 12 O'CLOCK HIGH "Follow the Leader" 1964

they should have just had fridge magnets made..

actually...they might not stick to aluminium/duralumin , might they..

Re: War TV: 12 O'CLOCK HIGH "Follow the Leader" 1964

Having watched a few episodes, I do notice that it is all stock footage except for the one B-17. And it is only shown stopped and loading or unloading.

"Red Ball Express" 1952 J. Chandler, S.Poitier and Budd Boetticher

CONTAINS SPOILERS

RED BALL EXPRESS 1952

This Universal International production, is about a lesser known part of the battle for France after D-Day. After slogging it out with the German Army in Normandy for 6 weeks. The Allies have broken out of the bridgehead and are pursuing the Germans across France. The British and Canadians battle north towards Antwerp and its vital port. The Americans give chase across France to the retreating Germans. Until the port at Antwerp is captured and put into service, the further the Army advances, the further the supplies must travel to reach the front.

The RED BALL EXPRESS is the story of the men who fixed the supply issue. The Army rounded up as many trucks as possible (over 5,000) along with drivers and had the supplies moving 24/7.

Jeff Chandler is a Lt. in charge of a small part of the Red Ball Express. He was a truck driver in civilian life. His men include, Charles Drake, Bubber Johnson, Hugh O'Brian, Davis Roberts, Jack Kelly, Sidney Poitier and Alex Nicol. There is tension right from the start between unit Sgt, Nicol and Chandler. The two know each other from the States. Nicol, also a trucker, blames Chandler for his brother's death in a truck crash.

The trucks are loaded and sent off on the 200 plus mile trip to the front outside Paris. The men are warned to keep their weapons handy, as they could run into pockets of German troops along the route. This happens and men are killed. There is a brisk firefight and the convoy moves on.

Now, being a 1950's film, the makers throw in some female types. There is a pair of Red Cross workers, Cindy Garner, Judith Braun, as well as French lass, Jacqueline Duval.

The trucks are manned by two man crews that spell each other during the trip. Once offloaded, they head back to the beach outside Cherbourg. More supplies, then back on the road to the front. A lack of sleep soon causes a number of wrecks. Tempers grow short as the men start to get on each other's nerves. Inflaming matters is Nicol who is always crapping on commanding officer, Chandler.

The men though, take a shine to Chandler after several incidents where he defends his men against complaints from higher ranks. He tells them that his men are beat and need a break.

Things smooth out as more drivers are added to the RED BALL EXPRESS. This allows the men to get time off to get some sleep, not to mention flirt with the Red Cross females.

The group is at the front on another supply run, when they are asked to make a dangerous detour through the German lines. They are to supply a unit of tanks that has been cut off after running out of fuel, The trucks are driven right through the middle of a burning French village in order to make it to the tankers. The fuel is delivered and the tanks can continue their advance. Chandler even manages to rescue Nicol from a burning truck.

This is a decent mid budget actioner that was directed by the soon to be famous helmsman, Budd Boetticher. He does good work here keeping up a quick pace which only slows when the women are involved. Boetticher would score with a string of excellent westerns starring Randolph Scott. These include, RIDE LONESOME, THE TALL T, COMMANCHE STATION, WESTBOUND, BUCHANAN RIDES ALONE, DECISION AT SUNDOWN and 7 MEN FROM NOW.

The actual RED BALL EXPRESS was about 75% African American. These men were drawn from a various non-combat roles and sent into action as drivers. The men showed that they were just as capable of fighting and dying as anyone else.

Re: "Red Ball Express" 1952 J. Chandler, S.Poitier and Budd Boetticher

Red Ball Express (1952)

Chan the Man! Interesting topic for a film, nice to see someone remembered.



The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: "Red Ball Express" 1952 J. Chandler, S.Poitier and Budd Boetticher


The actual RED BALL EXPRESS was about 75% African American


was about to point that out...they were renowned with those trucks.

Hence the short-lived? comedy series 'Roll Out" ?

Re: "Red Ball Express" 1952 J. Chandler, S.Poitier and Budd Boetticher

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=war+at+sea++60s++meditteranean++bbc

I stumbled over this vid from 1960s which tells the course of the RN Med sea campaign...I love the admiral telling it's style...the way he smirks in an almost sinister fashion each time the outcome is another RN success, and another bunch of Macaronis skittled..

there were other eps made, as he referred to, next one tells story of FAA in Med, I'd like to see it, but this is one-off upload by uploader..he does not seem to have the rest of set.

the theme music, I think maybe they ripped off Richard Rogers 'Victory at Sea" a little bit..

Re: "Red Ball Express" 1952 J. Chandler, S.Poitier and Budd Boetticher

Thanks for the link.

War Tv:The Silent Service "The Narwhal's Passengers from Mindanao " 1957

CONTAINS SPOILERS

THE SILENT SERVICE "The Narwhal's Passengers from Mindanao " 1957

This is the 24th 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. "Narwhal". The "Narwhal" was one of the oldest submarines to serve in the Navy during WW2, having been launched in 1929. It was also one of the largest submarines in the fleet. As such, she was often used to transport cargo and personal to various islands for resistance groups behind Japanese lines.

It is September 1944 and the "Narwhal" is taking a load of weapons etc to Cebu Island. After dropping off the supplies to the underground forces, she is tasked with picking up some escaped American POW's. The "Narwhal" packs 82 sick and wounded men on board before setting off for home base.

The "Narwhal" is forced to make a crash dive after a Japanese patrol aircraft buzzes them. The submarine exceeds the recommended dive angle and the rear dive planes stick. The "Narwhal" hurtles towards the bottom unable to right itself. They blow the ballast in the fore section but nothing happens. Finally, full reverse is tried. Now the submarine is racing backwards where the stern breaks the surface, offering a big target for the Japanese anti-submarine forces. Control is regained in time for the "Narwhal" to escape at her best possible speed.

The cast includes, Gene Coggan, James Parnell, Charles H Gray and William Bryant.

The "Narwhal" completed 15 patrols during the war sinking at least 5 Japanese ships. The "Narwhal" had been present at Pearl Harbour on Dec 7th 1941. The submarine's gunners put in claims for shooting down two Japanese torpedo bombers.

She was decommissioned in May 1945 (Before the war ended) and sold for scrap. Her two 5 in guns are on display at the New London submarine base.

Re: War Tv:The Silent Service "The Narwhal's Passengers from Mindanao "

The Silent Service (1957) - The Narwhal's Passenger from Mindanao (1957)

A goodie!

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

War Tv: 12 O'CLOCK HIGH "The Men and the Boys" 1964.

CONTAINS SPOILERS

12 O'CLOCK HIGH "The Men and the Boys" 1964

12 O'CLOCK HIGH was a television series about the fictitious 918th Bomber Group of the U.S. Air Force. The Group flew Boeing B-17 bombers and was based out of Archbury Field in England. The series ran for a total of 78 episodes between 1964 and 1967. Regular cast members included, Robert Lansing, Frank Overton, Paul Burke, Chris Robinson and Barney Philips. The series is loosely based on the superb 1949 film of the same name. This episode is the third of the series.

The Group is returning from a raid over occupied Europe when one of the B-17's is badly shot up. The pilot, Glenn Corbett, radios that they are falling out of formation due to battle damage. One of the ships, flown by Lew Gallo, requests permission to also fall out in order to fly escort for Corbett.

General Savage, (Robert Lansing) refuses permission, but Gallo does it anyways. Corbett and his crew are now over the English Channel and bail out. When the group makes it back to England, Lansing calls Gallo out for his actions. He had endangered the entire formation by breaking away. He is going to bring up Gallo on charges in front of a court martial.

Corbett and his crew are pulled out of the drink by the British air sea rescue boys, and returned to base. Corbett credits Gallo with saving his crew and himself from the Germans. He cannot believe Lansing is going to prefer charges. Lansing is pleased that Corbett and his men have returned and puts Corbett up for a decoration.

Now the fat is in the fire as Gallo is busted back in rank, and Corbett refuses the medal. The whole mess is going to be kicked up to headquarters. This of course will look bad on the Bomber Group and Lansing.

Several days later the group is sent out on a priority mission. All available aircraft and pilots are to fly. Gallo is assigned to fly with Lansing as co-pilot while Corbett is second in command of the formation. This time it is Lansing's aircraft that is shot full of holes and drops out. Lansing is hit in the shoulder and Gallo must take over the ship. Now Corbett must decide if he can risk slowing the group to fly cover for Lansing. He orders the group to continue while Lansing and Gallo fall behind.

Needless to say, a gaggle of Focke-Wulf 190's put in an appearance. The lone B-17 will be an easy meal for the Luftwaffe fighters. The meal though is cancelled, as a squadron of American P-47 Thunderbolts arrives. They chase off the Germans and provide an escort back to England.

Back in England, Corbett now sees the difficulty Lansing faces being in command of the Group. He withdraws his grievance with Lansing before it goes up the chain of command.

Also in the cast with small bits is Sally Kellerman and UK actress, Hazel Court.

Re: War Tv: 12 O'CLOCK HIGH "The Men and the Boys" 1964.

12 O'Clock High (1964) - The Men and the Boys (1964)

Burden of command

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: War Tv: 12 O'CLOCK HIGH "The Men and the Boys" 1964.

I sure as hell could not do it.

INTERNATIONAL SQUADRON 1941 RAF VS Luftwaffe

CONTAINS SPOILERS

INTERNATIONAL SQUADRON 1941

This Warner Brothers produced film, was made and released just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor brought the U.S. into the war. The film stars, Ronald Reagan, James Stephenson, Cliff Edwards, William Lundigan, Tod Andrews, Olympe Bradna and Reginald Denny.

Ronald Reagan is a hot shot test pilot for an American aircraft builder. He is testing a new fighter aircraft for a possible sale to the British. An old friend, James Stephenson, who Reagan knew from his barnstorming days, is here with the RAF to see the test. The test goes great and the British are interested in a deal for the fighter.

Stephenson asks if Reagan would like to join a Squadron he commands in the RAF. The Squadron is made up of pilots from countries the Germans have overrun. There are Poles, French, Czechs, etc along with several American volunteers. Reagan is not interested. He is having too good a time with the local ladies here in California.

The owner of the aircraft company offers Reagan a fat bonus to fly a Hudson bomber over to England. Reagan even turns this down. The refusal does not last long however. It turns out that Reagan is being sued by a former girlfriend for big cash. Reagan grabs his mechanic, Cliff Edwards, and is soon winging his way to England.

The flight nearly ends in disaster when the airfield in England is fogged in. Reagan barely manages to land the aircraft without crashing. He is met by his RAF pal, Stephenson and one of the American volunteers, William Lundigan. Stephenson, Lundigan and Reagan had all competed in the air races before the war. They both ask Reagan if he has changed his mind about joining the RAF. Reagan still is not interested. He just wants to know how the local "dame situation" is like.

Reagan hitches a ride into London with the girl, Olympe Bradna, of one of the French pilots, Tod Andrews. Reagan wants to sample the night life, not to mention Miss Bradna's charms. Reagan and Bradna are caught in a Luftwaffe air raid. Reagan helps dig a little girl out of a bombed building and rushes her to medical help.

Reagan and mechanic Edwards now decide it is time to get involved and join the RAF. Reagan is not amused when he finds that he will still need to go through training just like any other new man. He finishes the training and is soon assigned to Stephenson's Squadron.

Reagan cannot seem to get the idea of the teamwork required to be a good pilot. On his first patrol, he splits off from the other aircraft and goes after a German bomber. He manages to down the Heinkel. When he returns to the base he is given the cold shoulder by the other pilots. He is chewed out by Stephenson for leaving the formation. This had resulted in the death of Reagan's wingman when the group ran into some Germans. Pilots are more valuable than one single Heinkel. Reagan promises to mend his ways.

Needless to say this promise does not hold for long. Party boy Reagan asks his pal, William Lundigan to fill in for him on a flight. Reagan has a date with Miss Bradna that he does not want to miss. Lundigan goes up in Reagan's place and is of course shot down and killed.

Reagan is again hauled up on the carpet for a dressing down. Lundigan's wife, Joan Perry, happens to at the base visiting. She storms up and hands Reagan a face full of slaps, blaming him for her husband's death. Regan finally gets the message and becomes part of the Squadron. He is soon racking up an impressive score of German aircraft destroyed.

The Squadron members are now asked for a volunteer to fly a dangerous assignment. The RAF wants to send in a single Spitfire armed with 4 bombs to take out an important target in occupied France. They draw lots with Frenchman Tod Andrews winning. Reagan decides he is the better choice and knocks out Andrews. He then takes the Spitfire and heads for France.

Regan hits the target dead on destroying the Nazi ammunition dump. The mad as hornets German types send up a flock of aircraft after him. Reagan is heading back to England as fast has he can go, but is intercepted by the Germans. Reagan manages to splash 3 of the pursuers, but is then shot down and killed.

Reagan's Squadron mates all raise a glass to his memory at the base canteen.

This upper end B film was directed by Lewis Seiler and an uncredited Lothar Mendes. The three time Oscar nominated cinematographer, Ted McCord shot the film with help from James Van Trees.

The flying stunts in the film were handled by famous Hollywood stunt pilot, Paul Mantz. Mantz started out as a stunt pilot on HELL'S ANGELS in 1930. His other film work includes, FLYING DEVILS, WEST POINT OF THE AIR, CELING ZERO, MEN WITH WINGS, ONLY ANGELS HAVE WINGS, 12 O'CLOCK HIGH, FLYING TIGERS, FOR WHOM THE BELL TOLLS, IT'S A MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD and THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX. Mantz was killed during the production of the last film.

The use of Ryan STA trainers as SPITFIRES is stretching matters a bit, but, there is still plenty for the wartime aircraft buff to see. Lots of stock footage helps pad out the aircraft scenes.

The original title had been, EAGLE SQUARDON, but that title had already been copyrighted by producer Walter Wanger for his own film.

Re: INTERNATIONAL SQUADRON 1941 RAF VS Luftwaffe

International Squadron (1941)

Ronnie Reagan a hot shot pilot!


The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: INTERNATIONAL SQUADRON 1941 RAF VS Luftwaffe

Pretty rare film it seems.

Re: INTERNATIONAL SQUADRON 1941 RAF VS Luftwaffe

"Eagle Squadron" style, I guess..

Re: INTERNATIONAL SQUADRON 1941 RAF VS Luftwaffe

Eagle Squadron I have also seen, Robert Stack has the lead.

Re: INTERNATIONAL SQUADRON 1941 RAF VS Luftwaffe

I'm sure up there in his Spitfire, he was Untouchable..

I have not seen the movie since knee-high...I'm sure it gave a somewhat skewed view of the 1941 circus/rhubarb era of air combat...the RAF got their arses kicked 3 or 4 to one, really..

Re: INTERNATIONAL SQUADRON 1941 RAF VS Luftwaffe

And it got worse when the FW190 came on the scene--it didn't get better until the Spit IX was introduced with a better engine & superchargers. Of course carelessness could still be rewarded with sudden death from the cannons of a focke wulf but at least the odds were much better.



Why can't you wretched prey creatures understand that the Universe doesn't owe you anything!?

Re: INTERNATIONAL SQUADRON 1941 RAF VS Luftwaffe

1942 and 43 the Luftwaffe never had more than 75 to 100 serviceable fighters at any one time in the West. Jg 2 and Jg 26 held the fort against swarms of Spits.

Re: INTERNATIONAL SQUADRON 1941 RAF VS Luftwaffe

Yes they did-ESPECIALLY JG26; I have the Caldwell Unit History & the War Diary & they are the crown jewels of my military aviation collection;

However, as to your numbers I'd say 75 to 100 for each of those two Geschwaders.




Why can't you wretched prey creatures understand that the Universe doesn't owe you anything!?

Re: INTERNATIONAL SQUADRON 1941 RAF VS Luftwaffe Galland

Opps. That is what I mean't to say. 75 to 100 aircraft for each Jg.

I actually meet two pilots from Jg 26 in the late 80's. The great Adolf Galland was here in Calgary seeing his daughter or step daughter. (I forget which) She had married a Canadian Forces officer and moved to Canada. I knew the woman's son and he brought me over to meet Galland. I got him to sign my ME-109 Squadron Publications book with his Jg 26 109 on the cover. There was another pilot there whose name I forgot. We talked for half an hour or so about various Luftwaffe pilots. It was a hoot!!!!!!!

Re: INTERNATIONAL SQUADRON 1941 RAF VS Luftwaffe Galland

That sounds cool; I have been an afficionado of the "Jagdwaffe" for a long time, but I have never met a German fighter pilot vet (Or American or British for that matter). Looks like my chances have passed-nearly all of them will belong to the angels, soon.




Why can't you wretched prey creatures understand that the Universe doesn't owe you anything!?

Re: INTERNATIONAL SQUADRON 1941 RAF VS Luftwaffe Galland

I had several uncles who flew as Lancaster and Halifax aircrew in the RCAF. There were still plenty of WW 1 and WW2 vets around when I was a kid in the late 50's and early 60's.

I started collecting stuff at an early age. I recall talking to many of these vets about the war. Some talked about it, and some just wanted to forget. I was damn near 20 before my father would talk about his time in Korea during that conflict. I still have the tin hat may great-uncle Vern wore in WW1.I love military history, particularly air and armored warfare from ww2.

.War Tv: THE SILENT SERVICE "The Perch's New Role" 1957

CONTAINS SPOILERS

THE SILENT SERVICE "The Perch's New Role" 1957

This is the 25th 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. "Perch". The "Perch" was the second submarine to carry the name during World War Two. This one was a replacement for a submarine sunk earlier in the conflict. This one completed seven patrols sinking several Japanese ships. After the war she was modified as a cargo and troop transport.

The "Perch" had just completed her training for her new role, when the North Koreans boiled over the border into the south. The submarine was sent to Japan for possible usage by the Navy. She spent most of the first year sitting in port. That is till she is given a mission to transport a company of British Royal Marines.

The Royal Marines are to be dropped behind North Korean lines to do a spot of sabotage. The "Perch" lands the Royal Marines at night close to the shore. The raiding party blows up a North Korean ammunition dump as well as some rail lines. They then high tail it back to the beach for pick up by the "Perch". The Marine commandos are returned to the submarine and the "Perch" sets sail for Japan.

After the Korean Conflict the "Perch" was used as a research vessel till being used as a transport during the war in Vietnam. She completed several drops of reconnaissance troops during that conflict.

The "Perch" was finally discarded in 1971 and sold off for scrap in 1973.

The cast includes, Stanley Clements, Richard Crane, Robert Knapp, Robert Chapman and Roy Dean.

Re: .War Tv: THE SILENT SERVICE "The Perch's New Role" 1957

The Silent Service (1957) - The Perch's New Role (1957)

Royal Marines!

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

BAILOUT AT 43,000 :1957 John Payne, Paul Kelly

CONTAINS SPOILERS

While not an actual war film, it does deal with the military.

BAILOUT AT 43,000 :1957

This Pine-Thomas production stars, John Payne, Paul Kelly, Karen Steele, Constance Ford, Richard Eyer and Eddie Firestone. The film is about US Air Force's Air Research and Development Command. At the moment they are working on an automatic ejection seat for use on the B-47 Stratojet bomber.

The B-47 had a crew of three, two of which sat under the top canopy. The third man was deep inside the fuselage and had no way out during an emergency. Of course being this crewman did not do much for morale. The tests are to make sure a new downward ejection seat for the third man works.

The tests so far have been successful. But these have all been made with dummies. It is now time to try the device with a live test subject. There are three men up to make the test, Adam Kennedy, Eddie Firestone and John Payne. Payne really does not want to be here. He had been called back out of civilian life to join the test program. He has a wife, Karen Steele and a child, Richard Eyer.

Eddie Firestone is first up to give the ejection seat a go. They will fly to 40,000 plus feet and then fire the seat with Firestone out the bottom of a B-47. The test goes wrong and Firestone's chute engages at too high a height. When he lands he has been seriously injured with a wrenched neck. He is hauled off to hospital for repairs. Now the men need to go over the seat and find out what happened. The lead scientist on the project is of course an ex-German Luftwaffe type. The man, Gregory Gaye, goes over everything and decides that a stronger release spring for the parachute harness is needed.

Up for the next test is Adam Kennedy. He however goes down to the night before with an appendicitis attack. Now it is up to John Payne. He is torn between asking to be relived or to go through with it. His wife, Steele, can see that he is rattled by the decision either way. Kelly pays a visit to the project commander, Paul Kelly. She asks Kelly to let Payne off the assignment. When Payne finds out that Steele had approached Kelly, he forces himself to take the flight.

The test is a success and Payne is over his jitters. There is a side story where the pilot husband, Richard Crane, of one of the base wives, Constance Ford, is killed in the crash of a B-47. He had died because he could not escape the plane.

The film was made with the full cooperation of the United States Air Force and featured quite a few shots with Boeing B-47 Stratojet bombers.

The director was Francis D Lyon. Lyon was an Oscar winning film-editor (Body and Soul) who made the switch to directing.

The film was the last made by veteran actor, Paul Kelly before his death.

The film was produced by the "Dollar Bills", William Thomas and William Pine. The two Bills were known to be tight with a buck as they churned out low-budget fare for the bottom of the double feature. They were so good at this that they ended up in charge of the b-film unit at Paramount studios. This is one of their later independent productions which was released through United Artists.

Re: BAILOUT AT 43,000 :1957 John Payne, Paul Kelly

Bailout at 43,000 (1957)

You liked it more than the other reviewers. Interesting piece.

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: BAILOUT AT 43,000 :1957 John Payne, Paul Kelly

I like damn near anything to do with aircraft.

War Tv: 12 O'CLOCK HIGH "The Sound of Distant Thunder" 1964

CONTAINS SPOILERS

12 O'CLOCK HIGH "The Sound of Distant Thunder" 1964

12 O'CLOCK HIGH was a television series about the fictitious 918th Bomber Group of the U.S. Air Force. The Group flew Boeing B-17 bombers and was based out of Archbury Field in England. The series ran for a total of 78 episodes between 1964 and 1967. Regular cast members included, Robert Lansing, Frank Overton, Paul Burke, Chris Robinson and Barney Philips. The series is loosely based on the superb 1949 film of the same name. This episode is the fourth episode of the series.

The commanding officer, Frank Lansing is not sure what to make of the new man assigned to his aircraft. The man is to be the lead bombardier for the entire Bomber Group. The kid, Peter Fonda, is a tall, slow talking sort with a southern drawl who never stops smiling.

The Group heads out on a mission and Fonda proves that he is a first rate bombardier. On the way back, the B-17 is shot up by heavy flak fire. Lansing is wounded and several others killed. It is Fonda that drags Lansing to the exit. He waits till the Bi-17 is over the English Channel before pushing Lansing out and then joining him. The British Air Sea Rescue boys fish the men out of the sea and return them to England.

Lansing is now quite taken with the young man. He puts him up for a decoration and a promotion. He also sends the man out on a leave to visit London. Of course the country rub has never been to anything like London before. He ends up in a bar with a pretty bar maid, Jill Haworth. Needless to say the man is soon smitten with the rather petite Haworth. When he it late returning to base from his leave, he is restricted to base with no leave for a month. The man though continues to show his stuff as a bombardier.

Fonda decides one night to go to town without permission. He steals a jeep and heads for the bar, there, he asks Miss Haworth to marry him. It seems that Fonda has likewise made an impression on the young lass and she agrees.

The whole discussion is now interrupted by a German night time bombing raid. Needless to say, several of the bombs hit the bar and Miss Haworth is killed. Now, Lansing and the MP's show up, and put the pinch on Fonda for going AWOL.

Lansing however can see how torn up Fonda is, and decides not to charge him. He tells him he can do base duties for the next while. Fonda however shows up the next day to take his spot of Lansing's aircraft.

A pretty good episode, that is nowhere as sappy as I might be making it sound like.

Re: War Tv: 12 O'CLOCK HIGH "The Sound of Distant Thunder" 1964

12 O'Clock High (1964) - The Sound of Distant Thunder (1964)

Gord

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

War Tv: THE SILENT SERVICE "The Final War Patrol" 1957

Contains Spoilers

THE SILENT SERVICE "The Final War Patrol" 1957

This is the 26th 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. "Barb". The "Barb" was a highly decorated ship with an impressive war record. The "Barb" completed 12 wartime patrols sinking 17 Japanese ships totalling 96,628 tons.

This episode deals with the last two wartime patrols of the "Barb". It is Feb 1945 and the "Barb" is on patrol in the East China Sea off Formosa. There are reports of a large Japanese convoy hugging the coast. The "Barb" sneaks into an anchorage and spots a large group of ships. The "Barb" fires all 10 torpedoes into the gathered ships. The submarine records 8 hits out of the 10 torpedoes fired.

The submarine is now sent back to the States for a refit. The submarine is fitted out for one more patrol with rocket launchers for shore bombardment added. In July 1945 the "Barb" is sent into the waters off the north of Japan. The submarine launches 4 separate rocket attacks on various Japanese coastal towns. Then she lands a shore party to plant explosives on a railway bridge destroying the next train. This landing was the only time American Forces operated on Japan proper during WW2.

The Captain of the "Barb" , Eugene Fluckly, was awarded the Medal Of Honor for his exploits. The "Barb" was one of the few American submarines that operated in the European Theater of Operations. She completed 5 patrols during 1942 and 1943 while based in Scotland. It was in the Pacific Theater where the "Barb" and her crew really scored big.

The "Barb" was placed in reserve in 1947 before being transferred to the Italian Navy in 1954. She was returned to the U.S. in 1972 and sold for scrap.

The cast is made up of Patrick McVey, Richard Keith, Stanley Adams, L.Q. Jones and Leonard (Mr. Spock) Nimoy. Adams is one of those character players one can never put a name to. He will always be remembered for his guest star bit in the popular STAR TREK episode, THE TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES.

Re: War Tv: THE SILENT SERVICE "The Final War Patrol" 1957

The Silent Service (1957) - The Final War Patrol (1957)

Rockets! Top stuff as usual. Medals of Honour and to Italy and back!

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

O.S.S. 1946 Alan Ladd, John Hoyt,

CONTAINS SPOILERS

O.S.S. 1946

This Paramount Studio's production stars Alan Ladd, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Gloria Saunders, Don Beddoe, Richard Benedict, Harold Vermilyea, Richard Webb and John Hoyt. The film is based on the activities of several agents of the Office of Strategic Services, the precursor to the C.I.A.

The film starts with O.S.S. trainee Alan Ladd being sent to infiltrate an American plant. Ladd manages to lift the blueprint he is after but is nabbed while trying to get away. He is grabbed up by the F.B.I. and given a round of third degree. The session ends when Ladd is released to a Government official. Ladd is then taken back to O.S.S. headquarters to discuss what he did wrong.

With the upcoming D-Day Invasion of France happening soon, the training is cut short. Ladd and several others are shipped off to England for final briefings. Ladd, Richard Benedict and Don Beddoe are joined the last member of the team, Geraldine Fitzgerald.

The group will be dropped into France to make contact with the French underground. They are to gather info on German troop movements. Their main mission is to blow up a vital German railway tunnel. This will slow down the German response to the D-Day landings.

The plan goes sideways right from the start. They fail to make the meeting with the French underground and agent in charge Beddoe is killed by the Germans. The group decides to continue with their mission. They finally make contact with the underground and start gathering intelligence on the Nazi bunch.

Complicating matters is local German commander. John Hoyt. Hoyt takes a fancy to Miss Fitzgerald and takes her out several times. Ladd tells her to see what info she can collect from Hoyt. Fitzgerald happens to be a sculptor of some skill, and has Hoyt sit for her as she does a bust of him.

When Hoyt offers a train ride to Normandy, she jumps at the chance. The train will go right through the tunnel they came to destroy. She makes a new bust out of plastic explosive to bring. Ladd boards the train engine with forged papers as a railway inspector. Just before the tunnel he throws out the engine crew and stops the train inside said tunnel. Fitzgerald sends Hoyt off to see why the train has stopped. Then Ladd and Fitzgerald plant the explosive "head", light the fuse and bolt. The tunnel is destroyed but Hoyt survives. (minus an eye) Fitzgerald chews out Ladd for coming back to get her.

D-Day now happens and the Germans begin their retreat across France. The trio, Ladd, Fitzgerald and Benedict join in with the civilians fleeing the fighting. Hoyt though is on their trail and has sent out flyers with their descriptions.

Ladd and Fitzgerald are soon cornered in a small village by a Gestapo type. The man, Harold Vermilyea, knows the Germans are going to lose the war. He offers to feed the pair top secret info and the like. He wants a promise not to be arrested after the war, and a large cash deposit into his Swiss bank account.

The info is soon flowing to England and the cash to the Swiss bank. The info is passed to Benedict who photographs the papers then returns them to Vermilyea. The film is then passed to Ladd and then passed for pick up by an O.S.S. aircraft. Benedict also radios the info in code. This cozy arrangement with Gestapo man Vermilyea goes south when Hoyt arrives on the scene. He has tracked Ladd and company to the area. Benedict is killed sending out a message. Vermilyea is found out and grabbed up while Ladd and Fitzgerald barely make their escape. They make it to a pickup point where they are to meet an O.S.S. plane.

Instead of a flight home and safety, the two get further orders to head for the Rhine. There they are to meet with another O.S.S. man, Richard Webb, and collect his info. Ladd is less than amused with these new instructions, he and Fitzgerald are near their breaking point. But orders are orders.

They are soon on the Rhine trying to find agent Webb. Webb, dressed as a German soldier, happens upon them. The info is passed and Webb takes off to see what else he can learn.

Ladd heads to the forest to dig up their radio. While Ladd is off making radio contact, Hoyt drives up to the house where Fitzgerald is. Fitzgerald is grabbed up and taken into custody. Hoyt plans a most painful end for Miss Fitzgerald.

The taking of Miss Fitzgerald is seen by a young boy, Bobby (Treasure Island) Driscoll. Driscoll runs to where Ladd is and tells him. Ladd is about to head back to see if he can stop Hoyt, but remembers what Fitzgerald had said. Do not come back, the job comes first. Ladd stays and makes the radio link, passing on the important info. Needless to say what happens to Miss Fitzgerald.

This is quite watchable war/ espionage film. The director was Irving Pichel. Pichel was a former actor who turned to directing. His films include. "She" "Secret Agent of Japan", "The Pied Piper", "Destination Moon", "The Moon is Down" as well as the noir, 'They Won't Believe Me" and "Quicksand".

The d of p was three time Oscar nominated and one time winner, Lionel Lindon. The "Manchurian Candidate" and "Around the World in Eighty Days" and "The Blue Dahlia" are his most famous works.

The writer here was WW2 vet, Richard Maibaum. Maibaum was best known as the writer of 13 different James Bond films, starting with Dr No.

Re: O.S.S. 1946 Alan Ladd, John Hoyt,

O.S.S. (1946)

A different kind of spy then! Good stuff Gord

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

War Tv: .THE SILENT SERVICE "The Last Dive" 1957

CONTAINS SPOILERS

THE SILENT SERVICE "The Last Dive" 1957

This is the 27th 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. "Cochino". The "Cochino" was commissioned too late to see action in WW2. The Navy decided to turn her and her sister ship, "Tusk" into experimental test beds for a snorkel device. The snorkel allows a submarine to remain submerged while running her diesel engines to recharge the batteries.

In July 1949, "Cochino" and "Tusk" were sent to the UK and then north off Norway for cold weather testing. While running through an Artic gale, the "Cochino" suffered through a series of explosions caused by a ruptured battery damaged by an electrical fire. This soon caused the release of dangerous amounts of both, hydrogen and chlorine gas. The hydrogen gas kept igniting from the electrical shorts.

The "Cochino" was literally shaking herself to destruction. An emergency call was sent to her nearby sister ship, "Tusk". The crew were called on deck in case the ship went under. The Artic conditions were not a help. There was a problem getting one of the men burned fighting the fire on deck.

The "Tusk" managed to arrive in a nick of time and rescue the "Cochino" crew before the submarine sank.

The cast includes, Christopher, Dark, Joe Flynn and Edward Platt. Platt and Flynn would go onto star in two of the most popular comedy series of the 1960's. Flynn was on McHALE'S NAVY while Platt played the Chief on GET SMART.

Though not mentioned on the actual episode, there were 6 men lost during the transfer of the "Cochino" crew to the "Tusk". The "Cochino" is one of four United States Navy submarines to be lost since the end of World War II. The others were "Stickleback", Thresher" and "Scorpion".

Re: War Tv: .THE SILENT SERVICE "The Last Dive" 1957

The Silent Service (1957) - The Last Dive (1957)

As usual an educational read

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: HELL'S HORIZON 1955 John Ireland, Hugh Beaumont, Chet Baker

It is a rather rare one to find. It is also much better than I was expecting.

HELL'S HORIZON 1955 John Ireland, Hugh Beaumont, Chet Baker

CONTAINS SPOILERS

HELL'S HORIZON 1955

This one is a Korean War film put out by the B-unit at Columbia Pictures. It stars John Ireland, Hugh Beaumont, Marla English, Bill Williams, Larry Pennell, Jerry Paris, William Schallert and jazz icon, Chet Baker.

The story is about the crew of a B-29 bomber based on the island of Okinawa. They have been sitting for weeks with nothing to do as a series of storms rages over the island. They lay about their tent playing cards, reading letters from home while the one crewman (Chet Baker) wails sorrowful on his trumpet.

Breaking up the boredom is the weekly rounds of the half-caste laundry woman, the drop dead lovely, Marla English. The one crewman, Larry Pennell has the hots for the girl. He wants to make an honest woman out of her. English though has heard this all before from other pilots and crewmen, including Pennell's Captain, John Ireland.

The tedious routine is broken when word comes from command that the bomber has been assigned a mission. The single B-29 is to be sent north to bomb a certain bridge over the Yalu River between North Korea and Red China. The higher ups figure the bad weather will keep the Red Mig-15's on the ground. The plane has been assigned a special radar bombardier, William Schallert.

The ship takes off and wings its way towards the target. They have orders to return if the weather breaks. Just before the B-29 arrives over the target, the weather does clear, giving the anti-aircraft guns a chance at the B-29. Pilot Ireland decides to continue the mission even though the sky is clearing.

The new radar bombardier, Schallert has never been under fire before and freezes. This forces the regular man to bomb using the bomb-sight. The man is right on the button and the target is destroyed. Ireland heaves the beast around and heads back to base.

The weather clearing has allowed the mad as hell Reds to launch some Mig-15 fighters. These are soon swarming all over the bomber shooting said aircraft up. Several of the crew are wounded and Baker is killed. It is only good luck and a handy cloud bank that allows the bomber to escape.

The navigator is now having problems getting a fix on their position. Radar man Schallert comes out of his fright and uses the radar to get them a fix. They are just crossing the coast and are about two hours from the base. Now a new problem pops up. The fight engineer, Hugh Beaumont has failed to spot fuel loss due to a tank being holed during the dance with the Migs. Beaumont has been sitting the whole flight looking at a "Dear John" letter he received just before the flight. They might need to splash down in the sea for lack of fuel.

Pilot Ireland has the crew toss out everything that is not bolted down. Gunsights, nav equipment and even their parachutes are tossed out. Ireland hopes the lost weight will give them more range. Beaumont, before anyone can stop him, also tosses himself out the aircraft.

The B-29, engines on their last gasp, makes the base and crash lands on the field. The crew all escapes the now burning aircraft even bringing along the body of crewman Baker.

When the crew have returned to their barracks, Pennell seeks out Miss English. He tells her that he meant what he said earlier, he wants to marry. They grab each other and kiss.

This one is chock full of combat footage that is for the most part from WW2. Ignoring that, the film itself is rather good for a low budget production. The acting and story are all fine and the look of the film quite decent.

The director here is Tom Gries. Gries, who also wrote the film, would score in the late 60's with the westerns, 100 RIFLES and WILL PENNY. He also helmed several Charles Bronson films, BREAKOUT and BREAKHEART PASS. The cinematographer on the film was Oscar winner, Floyd Crosby.

Every time I see Larry Pennell I can't help but smile. I always recall him from his guest bits on THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES as Hollywood actor, Dash Riprock!

Re: HELL'S HORIZON 1955 John Ireland, Hugh Beaumont, Chet Baker

this one went past me, I thought I'd seen all Korean-war flying movies,albeit long ago, but cannot remember one about a B29...

Re: HELL'S HORIZON 1955 John Ireland, Hugh Beaumont, Chet Baker

i pride myself on having seen quite a few obscure war movies, but this one is completely new to me as well. in fact, i can't recall many films featuring the B-29 in a combat role. "Hell and High Water (1954)" had one on the ground in a small but pivotal role, and there are a number of test pilot type films using B-29s, but i'd like to see this just for some interior shots.

"I'll do the masterminding around here." -Sgt. Stryker, "Sands of Iwo Jima"

Re: HELL'S HORIZON 1955 John Ireland, Hugh Beaumont, Chet Baker

HELL'S HORIZON is one I stumbled upon during a trade of strange titles with a fellow collector.



ABOVE AND BEYOND, with Robert Taylor from 1952 is about the Enola Gay. It has a fair amount of B-29 footage.

There is another I have here somewhere about a b-29. Can't recall the title off hand. Next time I hit the storage unit, i'll see if I can find it.

Re: HELL'S HORIZON 1955 John Ireland, Hugh Beaumont, Chet Baker

Hell's Horizon (1955)

Another Gordon rarity!

The Spikeopath - Hospital Number 217

Re: HELL'S HORIZON 1955 John Ireland, Hugh Beaumont, Chet Baker

Thank you, I aim to please!

Hellé (1972)

7/10

"You'll kill the fat calf for the prodigal son."


* This review may contain spoilers ***

Getting set to see Robert Hossein and Roger Vadim team up for the all-star S&M fest Vice and Virtue,I stumbled across an overlooked movie that they made 9 years later.Seeing that it had a shorter running time to V&V,I decided that it was the perfect time to meet Hellé.

The plot:

Returning home after going on a tour of duty, Julien Fournier finds himself unable to settle back into small town life.Being deaf and mute,the guys in the village have seen Hellé as "a good time girl" for years,who runs no risk of revealing what took place.Crossing paths with Julien's brother Fabrice, Hellé finds herself falling in love for the first time,and wanting to find her own voice.As Hellé starts to speak out,she discovers that she is not able to silence the sounds of her past.

View on the film:

Taking on a supporting role, Robert Hossein gives a very good performance as Kleber,whose tiredness Hossein flourishes to show a man who is out in step,and out of time with events.Joining Hossein, Bruno Pradal wonderfully fills in the background info on Julien Fournier,with stiff twitches which hint at the battered state the war has left him in.Never delivering a line of dialogue, Gwen Welles gives a mythical performance as Hellé,by Welles getting Hellé's voice across with a very expressive,emotive face that dips the film into Fantasy.

Scattering the effects of Julien's tour of duty to the background,the screenplay by co-writer/(along with Monique Lange & Jean Mailland) director Vadim blends harsh small town Drama with startling flight of Fantasy.Gradually revealing the extent that Julien's mind has broken,the writers give Fabrice and Hellé romance a breezy, fantastical shine,which is shattered by harrowing reality. Shaking the film from ever being settled, Vadim and cinematographer Claude Renoir bring noise to Hellé's world in a fragmented,ultra-stylised nature,thanks to Fabrice and Hellé romance being set alight with jagged,earthy shots of green and white,as Hellé makes her voice heard.

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