Attack
by Robert Aldrich
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Eddie Albert, Jack Palance, Lee Marvin, Richard Jaeckel, Robert StraussDirector: Robert Aldrich
Brand: PALANCE,JACK
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0; English (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0; Spanish (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; Spanish (Dubbed), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, Dubbed, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC, Subtitled
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 107 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-05-20
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Movie Reviews of Attack
Movie Review: Fine War Drama--Unfortunate Title.
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is almost 50 years old, yet it still packs a wallop for viewers. I called the title "unfortunate", because it implies that this is an action movie--of course, it is much more. There are certainly battle scenes, and they are grim and realistic--no John Wayne heroics here. At the same time, the opening credits indicate that "Attack" is based on a play--so much of the film is dedicated to character development by some excellent actors.
The Nazis are the enemy, but these American GIs have another enemy within their midst--a cowardly, villainous commanding officer who has a well-deserved reputation for letting his men down. Some good soldiers lose their lives because of this officer's incompetence and indecision. In this role, Eddie Albert gives a wonderful, unforgettable performance. Later in his career, "Green Acres" may have given him more financial security, but it was obviously a waste of a huge talent.
As the brave GI who must report to a drunken coward, Jack Palance is rivetting in one of his best performances--his confrontation scenes with Eddie Albert really sizzle with animosity. Messrs. Palance and Albert are well supported by great character actors like Robert Strauss, Richard Jaeckel and the recently-departed Buddy Ebsen. Eddie Albert's commanding officer is played by Lee Marvin--and with Lee Marvin, "commanding" is the word ! Unfortunately, the Marvin character is just as corrupt, and self-serving in his own way as the man he supervises.
As I said earlier, this is a war movie that makes you think--it is not intended to merely entertain. I would not call it anti-war--there is no question that the Nazis here, mostly SS, are evil. To emphasize the point, we learn that Robert Strauss' character is Jewish, and how he would be treated if captured by the SS. Most of the American soldiers are depicted as brave, honest, dedicated men, laying their lives on the line every day. Nevertheless--as "Attack" shows us-- sometimes people are put in positions of authority for reasons that have nothing to do with merit--whether it is the military, in business, government or other fields of endeavour. In this case, of course, it is a problem that costs lives. It is a powerful message.
The DVD is nice--clear B & W picture--the sound is mono--the price reasonable.
Bottom line--a fine, thinking person's World War II drama, that deserves a higher profile.
A sad footnote dated 10 November 2006. Mr. Jack Palance just passed away--an Oscar-winner and one of the most formidable presences to ever grace the silver screen.
Summary of Attack
There's dissension in the ranks during the Battle of the Bulge! OscarÂ(r) winner* Jack Palance and OscarÂ(r) nominee** Eddie Albert star in this "tightly directed" (Leonard Maltin) and "gritty film [that] packs a wallop" (Blockbuster Entertainment Guide). "Prepare to take a tight grip on the arms of your seat" (Los Angeles Times) Â? the power of Attack! will rattle you! When Lieutenant Joe Costa (Palance) learns that his men died because the commander, Captain Cooney (Albert), was too much of a coward to join the fight, Costa issues a serious warning: Don't let it happen again! But Cooney's cowardice forces Costa into a fateful choice: continue to risk the lives of his menÂ...or take the life of the captain!Similar DVD Movies
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