The Dirty Dozen remains a highly popular war film, several decades after its release. Its enduring legacy comes partly from its ensemble cast, which includes many familiar faces. But the film's main appeal is probably from Robert Aldrich's direction, which delivers entertaining action and macho posturing.

The Dirty Dozen has a cartoonish quality from start to finish, despite the intense and graphic commando raid that serves as the climax. The film never seems credible, either in its premise, its characters, or its action scenes. But there's no denying its entertainment value.

Lee Marvin plays outspoken Major Reisman. His disrespect for authority has made an enemy of his humorless superior office, Col. Breed (Robert Ryan). But Major Armbruster (George Kennedy) and even General Worden (Ernest Borgnine) seem to tacitly approve of Reisman, giving him a key assignment.

The film takes place during World War II, with D-Day fast approaching. Reisman is to lead a team of soldiers on an assault on a French chateau that is swarming with German officers. Since this is likely a suicide mission, the unit will consist of prisoners convicted of murder and other violent crimes. It includes rebellious loudmouth Franko (John Cassavetes), soft-spoken Pole Wladislaw (Charles Bronson), amiable half wit Pinkley (Donald Sutherland), religious psychopath Maggot (Telly Savalas), and pacifist giant Posey (Clint Walker).

The dirty dozen, so named for their refusal to wash in cold water, is rounded out by several criminals lacking interesting story lines. They are played by Jim Brown, Trini Lopez, Al Mancine, Stuart Cooper, Ben Carruthers, Tom Busby and Colin Maitland.

The Dirty Dozen can be divided into three parts. In part one, Marvin forms and begins to train the unit. In part two, Marvin and his men get to show up Col. Breed during war games. Having proven their mettle, it's on to the French chateau in part three. The chateau was an elaborate, expensive set build especially for the film, as it was fated to be destroyed during the finale.

Would the U.S. Army really reprieve prisoners facing execution, to place them on an important sabotage mission? Would a Major really make such brash, insubordinate remarks in a room full of top brass? Would the Major risk having his men shot during war games? Are we supposed to cheer for our anti-heroes as they incinerate not only the German officers, but their wives and girlfriends? Would a squad full of vicious killers and psychopaths develop such rapid and deep loyal to Reisman and each other?

Actually, considering all that is wrong with it, the real question with The Dirty Dozen is why the film is as good as it is. But the film does has its strengths, which come from its 'tough guy' cast, and Aldrich's cynical direction. There are no good guys, and the bad guys get what they deserve.

Jim Brown was at the time the best running back in the country, a pro football star with the Cleveland Browns. It was only his second film. Trini Lopez had been a popular nightclub singer. Donald Sutherland would not become known for playing dunces, but his role was a step up from the 'B' horror films that he had made previously.

The Dirty Dozen won an Oscar for its sound effects. Other nominations included Best Supporting Actor (Cassavetes), Best Film Editing, and Best Sound. (58/100)




Recommended: Yes