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Go Tell the Spartans (1978)

Go Tell the Spartans (1978)
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Go Tell the Spartans is set in Vietnam during that period in which American troops were euphemistically termed "advisors". Reluctantly dispensing much of that advice is veteran American major Asa Barker (Burt Lancaster). Though he knows what works and what doesn't on the battlefield, Barker is obliged to carry out the go-nowhere policies of the American military brass. His current objective is a woebegone, barely crucial outpost, which he must defend with a handful of green soldiers and end-of-tether Vietnamese militiamen. True to his predictions, the outpost is overwhelmed by the Vietcong, who have something to fight about and are ruthless in their tactics. Before the relief troops can arrive, virtually everyone is senselessly killed, including Barker. The only survivor is Corporal Stephen Courcey (Craig Wasson), a willing draftee whose initial idealism dies along with his comrades. Wendell Mayes adapted Go Tell the Spartans from the novel Incident at Muc Wa by Daniel Ford. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Starring:
Burt LancasterCraig Wasson, (more)
Director(s):
Ted Post
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R
Format(s):
DVD
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Synopsis of Go Tell the Spartans

Go Tell the Spartans is set in Vietnam during that period in which American troops were euphemistically termed "advisors". Reluctantly dispensing much of that advice is veteran American major Asa Barker (Burt Lancaster). Though he knows what works and what doesn't on the battlefield, Barker is obliged to carry out the go-nowhere policies of the American military brass. His current objective is a woebegone, barely crucial outpost, which he must defend with a handful of green soldiers and end-of-tether Vietnamese militiamen. True to his predictions, the outpost is overwhelmed by the Vietcong, who have something to fight about and are ruthless in their tactics. Before the relief troops can arrive, virtually everyone is senselessly killed, including Barker. The only survivor is Corporal Stephen Courcey (Craig Wasson), a willing draftee whose initial idealism dies along with his comrades. Wendell Mayes adapted Go Tell the Spartans from the novel Incident at Muc Wa by Daniel Ford. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
114 mins

Complete Cast of Go Tell the Spartans


Director(s):
Ted Post
Writer(s):
Wendell Mayes
Producer(s):
Allan F. BodohMitchell Cannold
Theatrical MPAA Rating:
R(Adult Situations, Adult Language, Violence, Not For Children)
Categories:
Action / AdventureWar
Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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    Ray V.

    Go Tell the Spartans reflexs the mentality of most Vietnam era soldiers. All branches. We were not murders. As projected by the media. The media was then, and is today the militaries worst enemy in combat. What happens in war, is unfortunate. Yet, war is war. Vietnam was exactly as told in this movie. We didn't know an enemy from a friendly. I was in the 4th Infantry Division from March 1968 to March 1969. Station out of Camp Enari, Pleiku, Vietnam. Saw action with HHQ & Band, Chemical Platoon, and HQ 1st Bn. 21st Inf. out of LZ Mary Lou outside of Kon Tum and surrounding firebases. Did a stint in DakTo, Buon Ma Thuot. I could write a book, trust me. Great movie, B. Lancaster providied an excellent portrayal of Major Asa Barker as a ex world war 2 veteran, knows what works and what doesn't on the battlefield, & is obliged to carry out the go-nowhere policies of the American military brass. I could say more. Yet, won't. No cared then, no one cares now. WETSU.

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    Jerry T.

    This is an anti-war film about America's early involvement in Vietnam when U.S. soldiers were still "advisors". Burt Lancaster and Craig Wasson both do a good job of playing interesting characters (especially Lancaster). This is not a great movie, but it is still worth watching.

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    GREGORY P.

    Good movie telling of VietNam prior to sending in combat troups.

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