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Recently demoted from staff sergeant to private, Reese (Steve McQueen) is sent to join the war-weary unit positioned on the Siegfried Line in Belgium. He is soon persuading his sergeant (Harry Guardino) to make the Germans believe that the small unit is larger than it is. Reese (McQueen) knows that they can only fool the Germans for a short while and takes the decision to lead an attack, when the unit was informed to wait for reinforcements.
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74 of 74 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This low-budget war film boasts a terrific ensemble cast, with an early performance by the dynamic Steve McQueen, and one of the few examples of Bobby Darin's fine acting skills, as he, as well as fellow cast member Nick Adams, both died when they were 37. Others in the cast include Fess Parker, Harry Guardino, James Coburn, and Bob Newhart, who was famous at the time for his stand-up comedy routines of one-way telephone conversations, and lightens the tension with a hilarious scene where to fool the Germans who have placed a "bug" near the telephone, he pretends to talk to the commander.
Based on a true story (which took a few years to be declassified and written about), it takes place near Montigny, France, in 1944, and is about a small squad that is outnumbered by the enemy, who is protected in a pillbox surrounded by mines; the script is tight and the pacing marvelous, with direction from Don Siegel, who would go on to direct so many great Clint Eastwood action films.
I have seen this film countless times since its theatrical release in 1962, and it never gets stale; the performances are all excellent, with a modernistic score by Leonard Rosenman that adds to the atmosphere, and Harold Lipstein's black & white cinematography capturing the muddy, gritty feel of the foxholes, the fear felt by all, and the incredible heroism that some men can rise to.
Total running time is 90 minutes.
33 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is a stark, moving, tragic and poignant anti-war tour-de-force that makes the point that there are no glamorous heroes, just those who become so in desperate situations. An earlier reviewer mentioned Leonard Rosenman's memorable score for this film - this, along with the production values and some of the production credits, is reflected in the long-running (1962-67)U.S. drama series "Combat!" which somehow has the same integrity and quality running through it. I'm convinced the movie must somehow have inspired the TV series (also available on DVD and worth every penny).
29 of 31 people found the following review helpful
By kezzez
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is one of a handful of black&white films that I would buy on DVD. This is because it is a decent war film that was much before it's time. Although hardly mentioned it's central character is actually played by Steve Mcqueen but he hardly gets a mention on the front cover! He plays the combat happy, hardened soldier who cannot handle any situation unless he is in the frontline fighting for his life.
It also features James Coburn & Harry Guardino in early roles but the best thing about this film is the storyline & location, although very simple it is used to such a great effect it almost steals the limelite away from the actors.
A thinly spaced line for the Americans across one hill top and on the other is a large number of angry Germans waiting to advance. The American soldiers have many devious plans to fool the enemy into thinking that they have more soldiers then they actually do. One of their ideas is to make a standard jeep sound like a tank by putting chains on its wheels & making it backfire!
After several conning tricks they then look to go on the offensive and that is when hell breaks loose.
A good action film with some real heroes and some true moments of tragedy.
Don't let the fact that it is black&white put you off.
It also features James Coburn & Harry Guardino in early roles but the best thing about this film is the storyline & location, although very simple it is used to such a great effect it almost steals the limelite away from the actors.
A thinly spaced line for the Americans across one hill top and on the other is a large number of angry Germans waiting to advance. The American soldiers have many devious plans to fool the enemy into thinking that they have more soldiers then they actually do. One of their ideas is to make a standard jeep sound like a tank by putting chains on its wheels & making it backfire!
After several conning tricks they then look to go on the offensive and that is when hell breaks loose.
A good action film with some real heroes and some true moments of tragedy.
Don't let the fact that it is black&white put you off.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
war is hell
quite interesting tale of soldiers in combat
top rate stars mcqueen playing his usual loner role
not a team player however dies the hero at the end
top rate stars mcqueen playing his usual loner role
not a team player however dies the hero at the end
Published 2 hours ago by pilgrim
4.0 out of 5 stars
Before They Were Famous
An early feature for Dirty Harry director, Don Segal, and Steve McQueen. Segal handles the thin plot and small budget action sequences very well. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Record Collector
2.0 out of 5 stars
THIS ONE HAD DATED, FOR ME
Was disapointed in this one, it seemed dated and a bit silly from how I remember it. A lot better war movie available from this era.
Published 1 month ago by Mrs. J. Stark
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good classic war film
If you like Steve McQueen and classic American war films you will like this one. Unlike other American war films which are rather corny, overacted and cheesy this one is sincere in... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mr. F. J. Kent
4.0 out of 5 stars
Hell is For Heroes.
I first saw this film when it was released in 1962 as it starred many of my favorites, Steve McQueen, James Coburn, Bob Newhart and the singer Bobby Darin, I remember that I was... Read more
Published 2 months ago by barrymac
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hell is For Heroes
As a fan of Steve McQueen I enjoyed this film. I am not a film critic, but I thought it was not one of his best films which I am lead to understand was produced with a very low... Read more
Published 7 months ago by Kenl
1.0 out of 5 stars
This film is Hell
Even McQueen can't rescue this film.It looks extremely dated for 1962.Bad acting in general, poor special effects for the time. Read more
Published 13 months ago by amazon.co.uk are biased,tax dodging ,cacographists
4.0 out of 5 stars
McQueen Mean Moody Magnificent.
Autumn 1944, and the powerful Nazi army moves along the Siegried Line. With immense firepower and a high volume of soldiers, it's only a matter of time before they break thru the... Read more
Published on 6 Mar 2011 by Spike Owen
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hell is for Heroes
This promised to be a solid World War 2 action movie and delivered even more. It's ahead of its time with gritty realish, has great performances (especially from McQueen) and is... Read more
Published on 1 Dec 2010 by The Reviewer
4.0 out of 5 stars
hell is for heroes
one early films of Steve McQueen,he steals the show, great performance's of the other actors,Bobby Darin,James Coburn,Fess Parker,plenty of action one for all war movies fans
Published on 24 Sep 2009 by Pietro M. Fugaccia
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