World War II Filmography
 | Great, must see. A classic or definitive film. |
 | Good movie. If you like the genre or the subject matter you should see it. |
 | Not a good movie, but some worthwhile elements for fans of the genre or subject matter. |
 | Bad movie. This film is painful to watch. |
A war correspondent and a handful of US Army Rangers are stranded behind the German lines at
Anzio.
Dir: Edward Dmytryk 1968 117min color
The film is called Anzio, but the battle is nothing more than a backdrop to the action. There are a few good combat scenes, but nothing spectacular or technically notable, although the costumes and vehicles in this film are first rate. The film suffers from a horrble theme song which is annoyingly reprised several times. The main character's soul searching seems forced at times, but at other times seems quite genuine. The "moment of clarity" at the end doesn't quite seem worth the effort. Dmytryk has done better with "The Caine Mutiny" and "Back to Bataan."
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A group of marines go through boot camp and then are shipped out as radio operators with
a combat battalion.
Dir: Raoul Walsh 1955 149min color
If you're looking for a lot of action, Battle Cry is not the place to look. It's got plenty of good drama and an insightful look at the subject of preparing for, and then, participating in war. Although the battle scenes are intense and very well done, there are far to few of them and some of the most important scenes seem to be left out. However, this film has some of the best acting and dialog of any film. There are about three to four different plot lines in this film, so you're bound to like one of them. The grizzled old sergeant in this film is played by James Whitmore, who also played the grizzled old sergeant in Battleground (see below).
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This film follows a replacement infantryman in the 101st Airborne Division leading up to and
through the Battle of the Bulge.
Dir: William Wellman 1949 118min b/w
This is a really good film. It blends some actual war film in some of the shots. There is a large cast of characters and they are all played very well. It's one of the few times that an ensemble cast works, and it works very well. You end up getting to know the men very well and there's enough of them that several can be killed off, which creates an emotional roller coaster. The film contains a number of memorable scenes and quotable quotes. Anyone interested in WWII should take the time to view this film.
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An Air Force general fights for the right to command his unit his way.
Dir: Sam Wood 1948 112min b/w
Acting and drama don't get much better than this. There is no actual combat in this film, but the tension and politics of an Air Force headquarters is more than enough to create a compelling story and to educate about the development of air power in World War II. There are no special effects or technically stunning shots, just a good solid story backed up with excellent dialog and superb acting.
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The Liberators
Two American soldiers escape a firing squad when surprised by German troops. Along with the
rookie lieutenant in charge of the firing squad, they "liberate" a small Italian town and
then must defend it from a German advance.
Dir: ??? 19?? 77min color
Simply one of the worst films ever. I found this one on the shelves of my local Blockbuster. There was no production information available, and I'm still trying to contact the distributor. The acting was atrocious. Continuity was lacking: in one scene, one of the American soldiers is seen being shot in the back, the next time we see him, nothing is wrong. The insignia on the uniforms is incorrect and a medal presented to one of the heroes as the "Silver Star" isn't even an American decoration, let alone in the shape of a star. Under no coniditons are you to subject yourself to this piece of garbage. More info coming, so you can avoid this lemon. Features Klaus Kinski.
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Mission Batangas
A mercenary pilot must save the Phillipino treasury from the Japanese.
Dir: Keith Larsen 1969 ???min color
Dennis Weaver turns in an excellent performance and is supported by solid acting from the rest of the cast. The scenery is incredible and the vehicles and uniforms are flawless. This film has a gritty look to it which helps to tell the story, which is quite good. The ending is a bit predictable and a bit of a let down. Anyone interested in World War II in the Phillipines would enjoy this well crafted film.
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PattonThe story of General George Smith Patton Jr. from the time he takes command of II Corps in
Africa until he is relieved of command of Third Army. This is an excellent film and the last war film to be awarded the Academy Award for best picture until Platoon in 1986. The cinematography is incredible. The battle scenes are beautifully put together. The acting is great and George C. Scott gives the performance of his career. The script plays fast and loose with the facts and there are numerous anachronisms. But the story is compelling and well-written. This is a "must see" film. |
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| Check out The Patton Web Pages |
A platoon sergeant whips his Third Armored Division tank crew into shape as they drive into
Germany.
Dir: Lewis Seiler 1951 90min b/w
This film has a really good story with a bit of over wrought dialog at times. There isn't much technical information contained in the film, but the interpersonal relationships are first rate. This film effectively uses stock footage. This film is described as the "saga of thundering tanks and determined Yanks." It delivers on both. The story was written by Samuel Fuller, who also wrote "The Big Red One."
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Triple Cross
A British safe cracker is thrust into World War II and forced to spy for the United Kingdom
and Germany.
Alternate Title:La Fantastique Histoire Vraie d'Eddie Chapman
Dir: Terence Young 1967 126min color
The story, which was based on the actual events of Eddie Chapman's WWII carreer, was highly confusing. However, the acting really saves the day. Plummer is solid, as always. Yul Brynner plays a convincing aristocratic officer until his final scene. The print I saw was very washed out, so I can't comment on the look of the film. The scenery and costuming were well done. This spy thirller/comedy is worth a look if for no other reason than the fine acting.
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