THE DIRTY DOZEN (Theatrical Release USA 1967)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

The Dirty Dozen—a World War II story—features an all-star cast that includes Donald Sutherland, Telly Savalas, Ernest Borgnine, and Charles Bronson. The concept is good; it is based on a book by E.M. Nathanson, “The Dirty Dozen,” which is based on real life events. This film was a huge box office success in the United States and internationally. However, the acting appears weak and the portrayal of the story seems poorly done. Something hinders this story from being an outstanding film in its category. Perhaps because it does not cater to the best in us, but rather to the worst in us.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

During World War II twelve convicts, sentenced either to death or 20 years hard labor, are selected for a suicide mission to breach a chateau and kill dozens of high level German officers.

Additional Thanks

Thank You to Director Robert Aldrich for his directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Kenneth Hyman for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Major Reisman (Lee Marvin), General Worden (Ernest Borgnine), Joseph Wladislaw (Charles Bronson), Robert Jefferson (Jim Brown), Victor Franko (John Cassavetes), Sergeant Bowren (Richard Jaeckel), Major Max Armbruster (George Kennedy), Pedro Jiminez (Trini López), Captain Stuart Kinder (Ralph Meeker), Colonel Everett Dasher Breed (Robert Ryan), Archer Maggott (Telly Savalas), Vernon Pinkley (Donald Sutherland), Samson Posey (Clint Walker), General Denton (Robert Webber), Milo Vladek (Tom Busby), Glenn Gilpin (Ben Carruthers), and Roscoe Lever (Stuart Cooper).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. There is action/adventure in this film; but, this all-star cast didn’t pull this story off well.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers