The brutal realities that faced every G.I. during World War II

Starring: Steve McQueen, Bobby Darin, Fess Parker, Harry Guardino, Bob Newhart, James Coburn, Nick Adams, Mike Kellin, L. Q. Jones

DML Rating: ★★★★★★★☆☆☆ - good

"The outfit I came from was a real dilly. There was a general, a major, two captains, two lieutenants, and me. There's a squad for you, buddy-o." - Pvt. John Reese

Why watch this? McQueen smolders as a war-weary private on the edge.

Plot Summary: In 1944 France, a small squad of American soldiers is unexpectedly ordered back to the front lines after a brief reprieve. Facing a significantly larger German force along the Siegfried Line, they must utilize clever tactics and their dwindling resources to create the illusion of a more substantial presence, buying time until reinforcements can arrive. The film follows the squad's struggle for survival and the mounting tension as they try to deceive the enemy and hold their position against overwhelming odds.

Dad's Preview: There are many World War II "B" movies and many are low in quality. This actioner stands as one of the good ones. It features a great director and some of the 1960's best upcoming stars in McQueen, Coburn, Parker and comedian Bob Newhart. This is the life of an experienced American infantry squad on the Maginot line. Into the squad comes Pvt. Reese, a tough, no-nonsense soldier who doesn't want friends and has seen too much action. They are assigned to hold an area after most American troops have with drawn. This film illustrates the tough choices made in the chaos of combat, and how these dog-faced army grunts faced impossible odds, often as the cost of their own lives.

Henry Blanke; Paramount Pictures