GLORY BRIGADE

US, 1953, 82 minutes, Black and white.
Victor Mature, Lee Marvin, Richard Egan, Alexander Scourby.
Directed by Robert D. Webb.

The Glory Brigade is yet another Korean war adventure, made at the time. There are such films as The Hunters, Mission Over Korea and any number of films focusing on that war in the light of the Cold War and the aftermath of World War Two.

Robert D. Webb, a director of many adventures at 20th Century Fox, directs this film quite interestingly. Victor Mature is himself as the star. What makes this particular film interesting and different is its focus on a Greek brigade and the clash of outlooks between the Greeks and the Americans as they are allies In Korea. Thus, it is a war film as well as one of conflict amongst allies. The film finishes heroically but credibly.

1. An entertaining and interesting war film? Of the 1950's, the atmosphere of the Korean war, antagonism towards communists? Propaganda, American patriotism? How does it seem now? Enjoyable, of historic interest?

2. Its qualities as a war film? Raidsmen, dangers, death? Heroism and fear?

3. The small budget, black and white photography, the location? how authentic-looking? Stars?

4. The confined plot and its plausibility, sufficient for illustrating the war, American patriotism, allies with new Americans? The prologue and the war sequence? The basic situation for Prior to lead his men with the Greeks? The ambiguous presentation of the Greeks and the emerging of their heroism? The testing of Prior as a man, as a Greek, his prejudices? The mission and their success? The human values and unity?

5. The issues symbolised in the character of Prior? His pride in his Greek background, his doubts, clash with the lieutenant, being commanded by him, reconciliation? Credible and interesting character, symbol for America at this stage?

6. The presentation of the Greeks with their tradition, language, dance, religion? Their heroism and their being mis judged? Complete dedication?

7. The Americans; Johnston and the scarf, his death? The explosive expert?

8. The crisis between the men? Bonds together? Fighting together?

9. Insight into human nature?