Product: Hellfighters [VHS] (1968)
Rating: 5.0
A Personal Perspective of Hellfighters
As others have mentioned, I originally saw this film when it was released on the "big screen". It left a huge impression on me that has not left me to this day. When I saw that Hellfighters was available on DVD, I couldn't wait to order it so that I could enjoy the film at my leisure.Perhaps this film did not have an Oscar level script and, yes, it is a bit dated (it was released in 1968 for goodness sake). However, this film is not a remake of a previously released movie (as so many others are today), nor is it a rehash of an occupation that is over done to death (how many films have been released documenting the fantastic work of Red Adair, who was truly "one of a kind"?). Throw in a stellar cast, and you have a film that is one of my favorite John Wayne movies of all times.The Duke had a talent that allowed him to transcend the western and war film genres, allowing him, and those who worked with him on this and so many other films, to make successful films in various situations or scenarios. It is his honesty and obvious believability that comes across in this film and takes the audience from what could have been perceived as hokey, to the dangerous reality of the film.I highly recommend this film; let it take you into the lives of the people whose lives are put on the line every day to fight oil fires and see the impact their work has on those who love them.