Pretty Accurate Depiction of The Devil's Brigade
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rave195 — 12 years ago(August 21, 2013 07:12 PM)
Thanks jamesbwill, I will definitely buy the book to read since I just saw the movie again on TCM and have rediscovered my deep admiration for the movie. Like you, I also thought it was another Hollywood sendup as you stated. To find out on here, that it was REAL and that their exploits were understated in the movie, well, need to find out the real deal then.
You need also to read the article on this board, about the filming of the movie, thread is of same name. Filmed in Utah AND Italy.
It states: "after dark, they melted thru enemy lines and killed silently, leaving stickers on the slain, with the unit badge and a message "the worst is yet to come""
Can you imagine?!The psychological effect on the Germans apparently worked. Nothing but respect for these rough and tough men who risked their lives for their country.
Enjoy and thanks again.
Ciao
Rave195 -
nelson95 — 11 years ago(June 02, 2014 01:30 PM)
Are you sure that what you said about the Americans is accurate? I saw a documentary about the First Special Service Force on one of the cable channels recently and the living veterans of that outfit stated that it simply wasn't true how the Americans were depicted as the "Dirty Dozen" type. They said there were no criminals or misfits in that entire outfit.
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jamesbwill — 11 years ago(June 02, 2014 01:50 PM)
The movie may have left out the fact that many of the American volunteers were good soldiers wanting to serve in an elite fighting unit. However, on page 55 of the book mentioned in my OP, it states "Base commanders took advantage of Frederick's invitation by emptying their stockades of troublemakers and dispatching them to Helena, sometimes under armed guard."
So, Hollywood may have exaggerated by playing up the Dirty Dozen aspect, there were quite a few of the guardhouse types who showed up in the unit. -
nelson95 — 11 years ago(June 02, 2014 05:29 PM)
I'd like to return the favor if I may so here's something that may interest you: remember that documentary I was telling you about that I saw on The First Special Service Force? Well guess whatI happened to find it on YouTube and here it is for your viewing pleasure. Just click the following link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRbnuJJGmOU
If that doesn't work, just type it into your address window. Hope you like it! -
nelson95 — 11 years ago(June 02, 2014 08:09 PM)
I thought you'd find it interesting. One little piece of trivia that might interest you: did you ever watch the TV series, "All In the Family," back in the 70s? "The Devil's Brigade" movie is how Carroll O'Connor got picked for the part of Archie Bunker as you might surmise from the kind of role he played in the movie.