IMDb RATING
6.6/10
4.4K
YOUR RATING
In 1942, after the fall of the Philippines to the Japanese, U.S. Army Col. Joseph Madden stays behind to organize the local resistance against the Japanese invaders.In 1942, after the fall of the Philippines to the Japanese, U.S. Army Col. Joseph Madden stays behind to organize the local resistance against the Japanese invaders.In 1942, after the fall of the Philippines to the Japanese, U.S. Army Col. Joseph Madden stays behind to organize the local resistance against the Japanese invaders.
Alex Havier
- Sgt. Bernessa
- (as J. Alex Havier)
Earl G. Baumgardner
- Self
- (as Earl G. Baumgardner - Lt.)
Eugene C. Commander
- Self
- (as MT/Sgt. Eugene C. Commander)
Virgil H. Greenaway
- Self
- (as Pvt. Virgil H. Greenaway)
Max M. Greenberg
- Self
- (as Cpl. Max M. Greenberg)
George W. Greene
- Self
- (as George W. Greene - Lt.)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaJohn Wayne later said he regretted starring in this film as the director was a Communist.
- GoofsAn M4 Sherman tank, standing in as a Japanese tank, approaches a bridge and is blown up. When the smoke clears, the wreckage is now that of an M3 Stuart.
- Quotes
Maj. Hasko: I send out 100 men, they find nothing. I send out ten men, they don't come back.
- Crazy creditsOpening credits: This story was not invented. The events you are about to see are based on actual incidents. The characters are based on real people. JANUARY 30, 1945 THE JAPANESE PRISON CAMP AT CABANATUAN
- Alternate versionsAlso available in a computer colorized version.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The John Wayne Anthology (1991)
Featured review
An All-Too- Rare Look at Filipino Resistance
The only thing that distinguishes "Back to Bataan" from scores of other routine war films is its historical theme, which remains an uncommon and important one. Few young Americans today have even heard of the Filipino and American disaster at Corregidor and the Bataan Death March that followed, during which numerous sick and hungry prisoners of war were beaten and killed by their Japanese guards. Although the movie accurately portrays the spirit of Filipino resistance to the Japanese, the individual characters from John Wayne down are cut from the usual Hollywood cardboard. Even the real American survivors of Japanese imprisonment, filmed here some months after their liberation during the invasion of the Philippines, are shown, supposedly right after they got out of the Japanese prison camp, freshly shaved and with neatly trimmed hair. Similarly, the guerrilla force led by John Wayne looks little the worse for wear even after two and half years of jungle warfare (whixh seem like about a week in this movie).
The Japanese lynching of the school principal is well handled. The man has not set out to be a hero, but put under the gun, literally, he is simply unable to haul down the American flag. The invaders hang him as an example.
Despite its weaknesses, "Back to Bataan" is still watchable and even enjoyable as a different view of World War II, especially if you're a high-schooler who hasn't yet become too cynical about Hollywood war movies. John Wayne and Anthony Quinn are their usual solid selves, and Beulah Bondi (as a naive but tough American matron)is an unusual asset in this kind of action film.
The Japanese lynching of the school principal is well handled. The man has not set out to be a hero, but put under the gun, literally, he is simply unable to haul down the American flag. The invaders hang him as an example.
Despite its weaknesses, "Back to Bataan" is still watchable and even enjoyable as a different view of World War II, especially if you're a high-schooler who hasn't yet become too cynical about Hollywood war movies. John Wayne and Anthony Quinn are their usual solid selves, and Beulah Bondi (as a naive but tough American matron)is an unusual asset in this kind of action film.
helpful•176
- wuxmup
- May 29, 2006
- How long is Back to Bataan?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- The Invisible Army
- Filming locations
- Philippines(Stock Footage)
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $2,490,000
- Runtime1 hour 35 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content