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Hell Is for Heroes (1962)

Hell Is for Heroes (1962)
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Don Siegel's only war film and unfortunately his only teaming with Steve McQueen, an actor whose rebellious persona jibed well with the director's vision, it puts the star in the familiar role of antihero. His character, Reese, is an embittered G.I. who has just been sent back to join his war-weary unit holding down a position opposite a pillbox on the Siegfried Line in Belgium. Recently demoted back to private from staff sergeant for drinking, he chafes under all authority, and is a pariah to fellow grunts, despite their awareness of his extraordinary courage in battle. A natural leader, he persuades his sergeant (Harry Guardino) to implement a plan he's formulated to keep the Germans at bay by making them believe that the small outfit is larger than it is. While this is temporarily effective, Reese knows that it's only a matter of time before the enemy discovers the truth, and takes it on his own authority to lead an attack on the well-defended pillbox, although his unit has been assigned only to hold their ground. ~ Michael Costello, Rovi

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Starring:
Steve McQueen, Bobby Darin, (more)
Director(s):
Don Siegel
Format(s):
DVD  | Digital SD
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Synopsis of Hell Is for Heroes

Don Siegel's only war film and unfortunately his only teaming with Steve McQueen, an actor whose rebellious persona jibed well with the director's vision, it puts the star in the familiar role of antihero. His character, Reese, is an embittered G.I. who has just been sent back to join his war-weary unit holding down a position opposite a pillbox on the Siegfried Line in Belgium. Recently demoted back to private from staff sergeant for drinking, he chafes under all authority, and is a pariah to fellow grunts, despite their awareness of his extraordinary courage in battle. A natural leader, he persuades his sergeant (Harry Guardino) to implement a plan he's formulated to keep the Germans at bay by making them believe that the small outfit is larger than it is. While this is temporarily effective, Reese knows that it's only a matter of time before the enemy discovers the truth, and takes it on his own authority to lead an attack on the well-defended pillbox, although his unit has been assigned only to hold their ground. ~ Michael Costello, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:
89 mins

Complete Cast of Hell Is for Heroes


Director(s):
Don Siegel
Writer(s):
Robert Pirosh, Richard Carr
Producer(s):
Henry Blanke
Categories:
War
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Rob C.

Taking into account that it was made in the early 60s, its not a bad effort, and McQueen makes the movie. Don't expect anything like the new spectacular war blockbusters that we're used to though.

Yes   |   No

 
Timothy A.

This is almost the sequel to "The War Lover" Steve McQueen's aerial version of this same plot - Steve McQueen plays a guy who is exceptional on the front line, but cracks up when he's in the rear. A famous 60's classic war movie - complete with the usual cast of predictable infantry squad members. Great movie for it's time

Yes   |   No

 
Thomas B.

Hell Is For Heroes is a short (90 minute) black and white film about a squad of soldiers on the Siegfried Line in 1944. The film began in a French village where we are introduced to the major characters who all believe they are going home. Instead they sent back to the front. The entire company is pulled back in the middle of the night for a few days in anticipation of another battle leaving these 8 men to defend over a half mile of the line. At first they use some inventive tricks to fool the Germans into believing the positions are well defended. They must finally go on the offensive before the German army overruns their post. Steve McQueen gets top billing but the entire cast shares equally in screen time. Everyone ( Guardino, Coburn, Newhart, Darin, Parker and Kellin) are perfect in their individual roles. Nick Adams plays a DP and seems a little over the top. I did not care for that story line. This is an excellent WWII infantry movie from the early 1960's.

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