This RKO production is good considering that the studio was on life support by this time. Often in the film you can tell where the stock combat footage from news reels of the war are thrown in by the fuzzy quality of the scenes. There is a noticeable mix, particularly when you see the film commercial free on TCM.
To me, Robert Ryan and Flippin have the strongest performances. John Wayne has pretty much his usual tough guy image that is as tough as nails. What is impressive is RKO putting a lot into the Technicolor look of the movie. You can see Wayne sweating at times.
The story is pretty much standard - tough as nails commander keeping his subordinates at bay while his unit draws the dirty work. Meanwhile, he has a wife & son at home & a Sargeant (Flippin) who is really good at midnight requisitions. Obviously this is the usual Wayne all American hero type of vehicle he had been doing since the war and would do until near the end of his career.
To me, Robert Ryan and Flippin have the strongest performances. John Wayne has pretty much his usual tough guy image that is as tough as nails. What is impressive is RKO putting a lot into the Technicolor look of the movie. You can see Wayne sweating at times.
The story is pretty much standard - tough as nails commander keeping his subordinates at bay while his unit draws the dirty work. Meanwhile, he has a wife & son at home & a Sargeant (Flippin) who is really good at midnight requisitions. Obviously this is the usual Wayne all American hero type of vehicle he had been doing since the war and would do until near the end of his career.