Classic war movie

Rating: 9/10 (25 June 2016)

This classic war caper starts off as a human drama - laced with comedy - before moving into action territory, where a surprising amount of pathos creeps in as the initially unstoppable dozen are picked off one by one by the Nazi enemy. The all-star cast, involved direction from Robert Aldrich and the high budget make this one to watch, as long as you forget about those insipid television movie sequels which followed in the '80s.
Just about every actor on screen impresses, the following in particular: Charles Bronson, his usual stony-faced self as the dozen's most courageous and heroic member; John Cassavetes as an edgy, dangerous prisoner who comes through in the end; Telly Savalas as an uncontrollable rapist and murderer who can't contain himself; Donald Sutherland as a young recruit who has no idea what he's in for; and Clint Walker as a strong man with a heart. Plus, Lee Marvin is superb in the lead role as the gruff but caring major, Ernest Borgnine enjoys himself in a cameo as the major general, cult fans will enjoy the presence of George Kennedy in a minor role, while Richard Jaeckal and Robert Ryan have strong supporting roles. It's unusual for nobody to put a foot wrong with the quantity of actors here.
Although it lasts for a long time - nearly two and a half hours, to be exact - THE DIRTY DOZEN (so called because of their refusal to wash or shave) never becomes boring. The training scenes which take up the first hour and a half are inspired, unpredictable and very entertaining, with the ensemble cast acting their socks off and trading great dialogue with one enough. There is enough comedy to make this work for even non-action fans. The final hour, which sees the dreaded mission - an assault on a German château - begin, is gripping stuff, with plenty of explosions and shooting to keep action fans happy, plus a fair smattering of thrills and suspense for those looking for something deeper. THE DIRTY DOZEN is an unpredictable, brilliant movie which simply HAS to be see by all war film fans.