Men in War: A Small-Scale War Epic
Although he’s known primarily for his westerns and noirs, director Anthony Mann tried his hand at a number of genres, including war films. Perhaps the best of his rare combat movies, 1957’s Men in War, lacks the grandeur of war epics from the same period, but more than makes up for that with a psychological complexity that’s startling for its time. What starts off as a story of survival quickly turns into a tense two-header that interrogates the very nature of warfare, examining the traumatic effects of combat on the men who are forced to engage in it.
‘Men in War’ Is a Small-Scale War Epic
Set over the course of one day during the Korean War, Men in War stars Robert Ryan as Lieutenant Benson, leader of a platoon that’s been stranded behind enemy lines. As they try to make their way back to an American encampment, Benson spots a jeep driven by Staff Sergeant Joseph “Montana” Willomet (Aldo Ray). Montana is transporting his Colonel (Robert Keith), who’s so shell-shocked that he’s been rendered mute. Benson wants to use the jeep to help get his platoon to safety, while Montana wants to get his Colonel to a doctor, so the two join forces. Benson becomes increasingly wary as the trigger-happy Montana continuously shoots North Korean soldiers without discretion. Things come to a head when Benson and his men launch an attack which Montana refuses to participate in, until his Colonel shames him into doing so.
The Screenplay and Production
The screenplay for Men in War, which was adapted from Van Van Praag’s novel Combat, is credited to Philip Yordan, an Oscar winner for the Western Broken Lance. Contemporary sources allege that Yordan was actually acting as a front for The Asphalt Jungle scribe Ben Maddow, who had been blacklisted during the McCarthy era (no WGA credit has been restored as of this date). Like Samuel Fuller’s 1951 Korean War drama The Steel Helmet, it was produced on a low budget and shot in Los Angeles County, with Malibu Canyon and the hills of Thousand Oaks subbing in for eastern Asia. Production was further hindered by the Pentagon, which refused to participate because they found the film to be an affront to “the dignity of commissioned and non-commissioned officers.”
Release Information
Release Date: January 25, 1957
Runtime: 102 Minutes
Director: Anthony Mann
Writers: Van Van Praag, Philip Yordan, Ben Maddow
Conclusion
Men in War is a gripping and intense film that explores the psychological effects of war on soldiers. With its low budget and production constraints, the film’s small-scale approach allows for a more intimate and personal look at the characters and their experiences. Despite its limitations, Men in War is a powerful and thought-provoking film that is well worth watching.
FAQs
Q: What is the plot of Men in War?
A: The film follows a platoon of American soldiers led by Lieutenant Benson as they try to make their way back to an American encampment during the Korean War. Along the way, they encounter a trigger-happy sergeant and a shell-shocked colonel, leading to a tense and intense confrontation.
Q: Who directed Men in War?
A: The film was directed by Anthony Mann, known for his work on westerns and noirs.
Q: What is the significance of Men in War?
A: Men in War is significant for its portrayal of the psychological effects of war on soldiers, which was a relatively new topic in film at the time. The film’s low budget and production constraints also make it a unique and intimate look at the characters and their experiences.