WHEN HELL BROKE LOOSE

US, 1958, 78 minutes, Colour.
Charles Bronson, Richard Jaeckel.
Directed by Kenneth Crane.

When Hell Broke Loose is a war film of the late 50s. While the British had made many war remembrance and re-enactment films during the 50s, the Americans had not made so many. This has the usual ingredients although it adds a plot to kill General Eisenhower. It served as a star vehicle for Charles Bronson who had been appearing in supporting roles, but was soon to become one of the Magnificent Seven and launch a surprise career that would last a quarter of a century.

1. Impact of the film? Americana? War film? A film of the '50s?

2. Small budget production values: black and white photography, American locations, European locations, the re-creation of World War Two? musical score?

3. The film as a Charles Bronson vehicle - his being officially introduced? His screen persona? American, the man of the war period, an image for the '50s? Criminal record, the police? Friends? Deals? Cynicism? Involvement in the war, avoiding issues, friendship? The plan, his involvement, a type of heroism? The sketch of Steve Boland as a character?

4. The authentic background of the war, the use of prisoners in the army, the atmosphere of recruiting, training, overseas action, special missions? The significance of this mission within the framework of the war? The Normandy invasion? The atmosphere of war, occupation, Americans and Germans, local people and their experience of the war?

5. The sketch of Ilsa? The experience of the war, her family? Her brother? His Nazi loyalty? The dilemmas for Ilsa? Response to Steve? War heroism?

6. The sketch of Carl, the young Germans, Nazi allegiance, loyalty and bravery, betrayal?

7. The film as a film of the '50s - memories of the war, impact and heroism? The perennial theme of the small-time American, the cynical tough man and his opportunity for becoming something better?