Review of Attack (1956) by Sofia B — 01 Oct 2009

Surprised and delighted at this mini classic that explores the human character under the life and death pressures of war.

This is quite simply great stuff from director Robert Aldrich (also dir. of The Dirty Dozen and The Flight of the Phoenix). Aldridge seems to have been one of the few directors who could skillfully handle an all star cast and here yet again he does it brilliantly.

The movie stars Jack Palance as Lt. Joe the moral, couragous officer who clashes with the weak, cowardly and indeed sadistic Captain Cooney played pretty well by Eddie Albert.

In the background is the cynical, scheming Lee Marvin who is excellent as the Colonel determined to keep everyone seeing the big picture as all hell is breaking loose with the germans and in the ranks mutiny is in the air. Watching Marvin in this movie one can see where Jack Nicholson's Colonel Jessop in a Few Good Men came from.

But if the acting is above average then the plot is exceptional. Right up to the very last seconds we are kept guessing about what is going to happen.

Aligned with a fine plot, is the brilliant noirish cinematography with some amazing location scenes of war stricken Belgium and in the cellars very effective use of shadow, tone and light.

In my opinion, black and white always seems to work better in war movies than colour does. Maybe it makes it all the more real - think Schindler's, Paths of Glory and perhaps you can see the point.

In summary, one very good film which shows what a fine actor Jack Palance was and is an early indication of what was to come from this wonderful director.

Look out for big Jack's classic line to warn Captain Cooney if he fails to back him up in the attack on the germans "If you don't, I swear I'll come back for you and shove a grenade down your throat, and then pull the pin".