Attack (1956)

There's dissension in the ranks during the Battle of the Bulge! Oscar® winner* Jack Palance and Oscar® nominee** Eddie Albert star in this "tightly directed" (Leonard Maltin) and "gritty film [that] packs a wallop" (Blockbuster Entertainment Guide). "Prepare to take a tight grip on the arms of your seat" (Los Angeles Times) the power of Attack! will rattle you!When Lieutenant Joe Costa (Palance) learns that his men died because the commander Captain Cooney (Albert) was too much of a coward to join the fight Costa issues a serious warning: Don't let it happen again! But Cooney's cowardice forces Costa into a fateful choice: continue to risk the lives of his men or take the life of the captain!*1991: Supporting Actor City Slickers**1972: Supporting Actor The Heartbreak Kid; 1953: Supporting Actor Roman HolidaySystem Requirements:Running Time: 108 Min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: ACTION/ADVENTURE Rating: NR UPC: 027616885753 Manufacturer No: 1004524 Product Description

Brilliant low-budget film ignored for far too long!

I am not a fan of war films. However, a friend brought this DVD to my attention, and I was riveted by the performances and the script.

The setting is the Battle of the Bulge. Eddie Albert brilliantly portrays a cowardly captain. Lee Marvin is a colonel who totally ignores the mistakes made by Albert, thereby ignoring the safety of the platoon for which he is ultimately responsible. The platoon, however, is lead by Jack Palance, who takes full responsibility for his men. Palance has been wounded in the battle, and his to lead the men back despite his injury. The worst part is, he has to get them to safety while they have been left completely without protection!

The confrontation between Jack Palance and Eddie Albert is magnificent, exposing the behaviors of some officers during World War II. It's important to remember that this film was created during the Eisenhower era, and not surprisingly, there was no government aid in the making of this film provided. If the film had been a more flag-waving presentation showing bravery on all levels, certainly there would have been a seal of approval and cooperation from the government.

The ending is amazing. Eddie Albert and Jack Palance are wonderful! Attack proves that in the most extreme of circumstances, both the best and the worst of man becomes evident.

Highly recommended! July 13, 2008

Fantastic War Movie

This is a fantastic war movie. I wish someone would use the computer graphics to fix up the tanks to make them more authentic and call it "Attack revisted" or something. The actoring is with out par. I really know people with personalities like these.

This movie has so many good points that alot of others lack. Alot of war movies the enemy soldiers don't even bother to hide or duck. Its pretty laughable when that happens. I suppose they are just actors and don't know any better. The enemy are just so stupid they run out of a perfectly good hiding spaces to be shot on cue. I wish movie directors would play paint ball shoot ups and see how after a while people learn how to move around because paint balls hurt. You make use of any cover you have. I dont expect the war movies to teach military tactics or really even want to see them. In this movie its good that the soldiers plan and then worry that they don't have any cover. You would think Band of brothers ( band of actors) who go for a walk in the park while in france would of learned from previous movies.
April 27, 2008

One of the Best War Flicks of All Time

This ranks right up there with Paths of Glory with Kirk Douglas. The story lines are somewhat similar. In the heat of battle junior officers sieze command from the deranged senior officer. And the endings catch you off guard. The casting is impeccable, but Lee Marvin is fabulous in my humble opinion. March 30, 2008

Attack

Great cast, They do an outstanding job. I was a little disappointed in that I though there would be more battle action. However, still rate it a 3.5 March 21, 2007

Best War Movie!

I saw this movie as a child in the 60's and I never forgot it. I recently bought it and now I know why. It is exceptional. The cast is incredible, and the acting, especially Jack Palance, is remarkable. The human drama is what drives this film, but the battle scenes, without all the special effects available today, are, in my view, more credible and riveting than what I've seen in more recent war films. You do not have to be a WWII buff to love this movie. March 15, 2007

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