Posted on 12/06/2014 6:26:53 PM PST by ImJustAnotherOkie
Now showing on Netflix "Hell is for Heroes" Steve McQueen , James Coburn, and Fess Parker.
It's all about the little details with McQueen. Typical 60's WWII movie but McQueen's grittiness makes it more than a little better than the rest.
Watch this film and count how many times McQueen works the mechanism on that grease gun during scenes whish otherwise would have only dialog(”business” in acting terms)
Also a nice turn by a young Bob Newhart.
One of the better movies McQueen was in was “The Sand Pebbles”. There was something about his mannerisms which I liked.
He really did look like a rough and ready character.
People don’t know that the ex-Marine became a born again Evangelical Christian, and supported the Vietnam war while voting for Nixon.
The little details....
You forgot Bob Newhart.
Sand Pebbles...one of the best movies ever made.
Do love McQueen in the Great Escape as well.
No, didn’t forget the comedy break interlude. I’m a McQueen guy. Newhart was pretty funny, but weird in this kind of movie. I guess maybe that’s why I like it, not your average WWII movie.
This was directed by Don Siegel, who went on to direct most of Clint Eastwood’s biggest pictures and taught him the trade as well.
Yes, weird for this movie. But, maybe the producers thought they needed some comic relief.
Newhart was doing what he was famous for: the "solo straight man". His first album -- "The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart" was almost entirely his trademark one-sided conversations.
It won Album of the Year at the 1961 Grammy Awards and Newhart was named Best New Artist. It was the first comedy album to win Album of the Year and the only time a comedian has won Best New Artist.
This movie was released the next year.
Unless a Marine was dishonorably discharged, please explain how one becomes an "ex-Marine"?
My favorite was “Magnificent Seven” with Yul Brenner.
Still watch it every time it’s on.
The same way one becomes ex anything, they aren’t anymore.
bump
Watched it a couple weeks ago.
Although low budget, the direction is outstanding.
James Coburn is great here, playing a not particularly tough guy.
The scene in Private Ryan where the medic is shot and dies under the care of his helpless squaddies was borrowed from this film.
BTW
Frank Murtha was an exception, he earned the title of “ex”
Picking a scab?
What in the world is this childishness about?
Saw it first run at the Strand in Summit NJ for 35 cents. Don’t forget Harry Guardino, Nick Adams, and Mike Kellin.
I’ve seen it in recent years, but for a long time many of the scenes were “seared in my memory”. Do you remember the countersign for “apple” ?
Well it sure isn’t “pie” with a German accent.
Cobbler.
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