TEN SECONDS TO HELL

US, 1959, 93 minutes, Black and white.
Jack Palance, Jeff Chandler, Martine Carol, Wesley Addy.
Directed by Robert Aldrich.

Ten Seconds to Hell is an action film directed by Robert Aldrich, who co-wrote the script. It focuses on a group of German soldiers, their not being latfavour with the Nazi regime and their being chosen by the Allies to defuse bombs in cities like Berlin after the war. Jack Palance plays a sympathetic role as the self-sacrificing leader. Jeff Chandler is the more pragmatic member of the group. Richard Wattis appears as a British officer. The film is minor Aldrich, not a particularly compelling story -yet a character study of soldiers in a difficult situation, wanting to survive, yet in danger of their lives. There is a romantic sub-theme with Martine Carol.

1. Character drama? Action drama? A '50s look back at World War Two?

2. Black and white photography, European location settings? Special effects, action sequences? Musical score?

3. The title and the focus on the defusing bombs, the squad, judgment and skills, the possibility of death?

4. The post-war situation, the voice-over commentary. German soldiers. their status during the war, their being chosen for the defusing squad? Their arrival in Berlin? Being briefed? Their pact about the money? The possibilities of death? Personal interaction? Leadership? The gradual lessening of the group? The final confrontation? The drama in this situation?

5. Eric and his leadership, background, architect? Work in the war? Jack Palance's personality and style? His not pushing himself. his being elected leader? The pact? His relationship with each man. the clash with Carl? The attraction towards Margo? The love. Carl's intervention and drinking? Tragedies? Hard work? Tension? The British and the officials? The final defusing? Carl's death? His future?

6. The contrast with Carl and Jeff Chandler's style? His presence in the group. war background, pragmatic approach, the money. jobs, drinking, Margo? The differences between him and Eric? His death?

7. Margo and her presence in Berlin, married to a German, widow, trapped, her life, relationship with Eric and Carl? Love for Eric?

8. The various members of the group, their background, involvement in the work, the money, their deaths and suffering?

9. The British officer, the commands, liaison?

10. The film located in the atmosphere of World War Two? Portrait of human nature in dangerous circumstances?