Sahara (1943)

Hollywood made few movies about the desert conflict during World War II--and curiously, two that they did (Five Graves to Cairo is the other) were remakes of films set elsewhere. John Howard Lawson based his script on a prewar Russian film (Lawson would later be blacklisted, incidentally) about a military patrol besieged by Asian bandits. The situation readily lent itself to a wartime parallel and became one of the most engrossing story lines of its era.

A U.S. tank crew and their commander (Humphrey Bogart), separated from the main force, make their way through the desert, accumulating a veritable United Nations of stragglers as they go: a few of Montgomery's tommies (including that old limey Lloyd Bridges) and a towering African (Rex Ingram) and his prisoner--a garrulous Italian (Oscar-nominated J. Carrol Naish) who can't wait to tell his new friends about his relatives in "Peets-a-bourg Pennsylvania." They come upon a ruin, the onetime site of an oasis, and almost immediately find themselves defending it against a small army of Germans who believe there's still water to be had there. Yes and no--there's a biblical wrinkle to this tale--and the standoff between the polyglot democrats and the Nazis who far outnumber them is a fine, sun-baked study in suspense.

For Bogart, this Columbia picture was a rare furlough from Warner Bros., where he always felt embattled. His pleasure must have seeped into his work, because Sgt. Joe Gunn is one of the most sympathetic and heartfelt characterizations the actor ever gave us. This is one good movie. --Richard T. Jameson Amazon.com

Dedicated to the IV Armoured Corps of the Army Ground Forces!

June 1942. An American detachment composed just for a few men , joins forces with a British underground detachment and will undertake one of epic and brave battles in the desert where the domain of the water is far above any other ideological flag.

To survive will be the consign. Headed by the wilful American Sergeant - Humphrey Bogart - the astonishing and fluid camera work and the excellent photography of Rudolph Mate, the film will really convey you to the last frontier of the unthinkable.

One of the most remarkable films of 1943 and certainly one of the most reminded epic War films ever filmed. An excellent cast supports this majestic masterwork. In my oersonal list, this is one of my most beloved hard cult movies ever made.

Don't miss it!
June 13, 2008

Sahara

This movie is probably one of the best war movies of all time. Granted it is old - made in 1943, just after the Battle of Kasserine Pass - and uses old movie technology, but it is well-made, great dialogue and good acting. Bogart is superb playing MSGT Joe Gunn, US Army, and the rest of the cast fall in accordingly. Every possible cliche about Brits, French, Naxis, Italians, Americans and a British Sudanese Sergeant Major is included in the movie, which enhances the story line. I have been looking for it on DVD for some time, and this DVD is an excellent repro of the old movie. April 17, 2008

One Of The Best WWII Movies

Boggie did an outstanding job playing the hard-bitten sargent of his tank crew. Seperated and alone out in the blowing sands of the Sahara durring the north african campaign, running out of fuel, water and time, Boggie leads his men and an Italian prisoner to an issolated well, with a thirsty Affika Corp hot ( pun intended ) on his heels. There, he and his men attempt to hold off the Germans who are also in desperate need of water. Can they hold off the Nazi's ? Will they survive ?? Will Bogart be unfortunate enough to go on to star in " Beat The Devil "??? Watch it and find out.

A great script, well acted and tense. This is one of those films that made movies such a great experience durring the golden age. March 22, 2008

Classic WWII Bogart and LuluBelle

Terrific wartime drama about a tank unit and a handful of Allied soliders holding off a battalion of Africa Korps at a small well. Keen action sequences, naughty Germans, stoic Yanks and Brits and bring a canteen as this will make you thirsty. Plenty of classic Bogie lines, very nice cast and acting. Check it out. September 4, 2007

classic wartime flick

Bogart is at his cynical best as Sargent Joe Gunn trying despartely to same his remaining crew trying to reach their lines in North africa with the Germans closing on all sides. As they flee across the desert other men join their ragtag outfit trying to survive in the desert to fight again. Face with overwhelming odds, the group try the impossible to hold a battalion of Germans while they are running out of water. Bogey is indeed his best, defining all odds. A great patriotic picture showing sacrifices men made during he war. September 1, 2007

More reviews at Amazon.com ...