Devil's Brigade (1968)

Dismissed in 1968 as a plodding rip-off of The Dirty Dozen--without that 1967 film's sardonic, antiestablishment satire--The Devil's Brigade now plays like a nostalgic last gasp of the sentimental World War II action genre. Celebrating the 1st Special Service Force (a commando-like unit formed to fight in Norway but ultimately deployed in Italy), this typically broad Andrew V. McLaglen production recounts the teaming of some miscreant GIs with "the handpicked best of the best-trained army in the world"--the Canadians--under a U.S. officer (William Holden) who had never commanded men in combat. The first hour, heavy on machismo and low comedy, depicts the unit's training at an abandoned base in Montana, with nonstop international rivalry until Yanks and Canadians bond in a lusty saloon brawl. After that, the Germans are easy meat. Holden is solid, as usual, and so is the widescreen work of veteran cameraman William H. Clothier, impeccably rendered on the DVD. --Richard T. Jameson Amazon.com

Classic William Holden

Classic war genre movie, classic William Holden. It would be a good one to round out your collection. July 16, 2008

I'm particular about war films

There are MANY war flicks that I care little for but this is a good one. The first half of the movie brings together WW II American and British geurilla tactic trainees and, naturally, they fight amongst themselves at first -- but strong comradery ensues.

The filming of their primary mission (after they prove themselves in a preliminary raid, sort of like "The Dirty Dozen") to climb the backside of an impregnable mountain overlook and take out the Nazis and their fortifications is one of the great battle scenes I've seen in such films.

This one has been a sleeper as far as I'm concerned. Big stars who did a fine job and, here, Alex North ("Cleopatra") yields another fine entry with the filmscore. Don't let this one get by! October 10, 2007

The Devil's Brigade

This is a great WWII movie. It exploits the beginning of the current Rangers and Special forces that we have today. Any task that is given, the movie depicts that the task will be accomplished regardless of cost. September 21, 2007

A few fun facts about the film

I thought that this film was knock off of the Dirty Dozen myself within the first half hour or so of the movie, but in all honesty I thought that it was a much better movie. And I have always liked the anti-hero image of William Holden. Or I should say the reluctant hero.
Ok, now for the fun facts, that are sports related. If any of you are Green Bay Packer fans, you will notice that one of the lumberjacks in the bar fight scene was played by none other than the Golden Boy, Paul Hornung! I do not think that Paul received any academy awards for his short role!
Also, Richard Jaekel was also in the Dirty Dozen, which the film has been compared to, and unfairly at that! Richard's son was also a top flight pro golfer and played on the PGA tour for many years! September 10, 2007

Entertaining WWII movie about Special Unit

If you like vintage WWII action movies like The Dirty Dozen you will enjoy the Devil's Brigade. It tells the story of a commando type unit that fights in Italy. The story is pretty simple - a unit comprised of American misfits with Canadian hardcore soliders prepares for combat in Norway. William Holden is well cast as the unit's commander, and he does a solid job of keeping the story moving along.

The action scenes are well done, and the last assault on the German stronghold is pretty gripping. Although The Devil's Brigade does not have as many memorable lines as The Dirty Dozen, or as many stars as The Longest Day, it is still worth viewing if you enjoy vintage WWII movies. September 2, 2007

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