Back to Bataan

My better half taking a class at a local community college, left me with “guy movie night.” Which usually means war or James Bond for me. So an old WWII film was the call for the night. Back to Bataan.I have to say that I enjoy the more modern telling of stories of WWII like Saving Private Ryan and even Patton as opposed to the over glorified “war is romantic” attitude. Although back in 1945 directly  out of WWII, I am not sure America was ready to see the horrors of war. It was what the public wanted to see at the time, the glory of war and it’s heroes. That being said, I thought the film was pretty average and full of special effects blunders. For instance no bullets ever hit  anything else, but another man. A machine gun shooting through a bush and not one leaf gets knocked off. Oh well, just a sign of the times. 

This film stars John Wayne (Best Actor True Grit) and Anthony Quinn as a group of Philippine rebels try to repel invading Japan. The movie is worth a viewing for movie buffs and WWII aficionados, but if you are one that is picky about your movies, may want to skip it. This movie is what it is, a macho glorified heroic movie, made for the people of it’s time with Hollywood’s view of war.

The Ox-Bow Incident

Nominated for Best Picture in 1943, and unfortunately came out the same year as the all time classic Casablanca. In any other year, this could have easily won the Oscar for Best Picture. Dealing with issues of justice and the power of mob violence, this a a film that was way ahead of it’s time. Things are not tied up with a happy little bow and all is well….this makes you think what is right and wrong and how one would act, or should act. Henry Fonda is incredible, as you would expect, and a particular nice performance from Dana Andrews. Also look for Margaret Hamilton in an uncredited role. (Wicked Witch of the East/West.) A must see!!!!