FIXED BAYONETS!

US, 90 minutes, 1950, 90 minutes, Black and white.
Richard Basehart, Gene Evans, Michael O’ Shea.
Directed by Samuel Fuller.

Fixed bayonets! Is one of two Korean war films made by Samuel Fuller at the beginning of his career, the other being Still Helmets. during the 1950s, Fuller made a number of strong social-minded films, including at this time, pick up on South Street. he made many genre films, ranging from westerns to dramas set in Asia.
1. He continued this career during the 1960s and 70s, climaxing in his very personal film about World War I and World War II, The Big Read One, with Lee Marvin.

2. A career in film made while the war was being waged? A sense of the period? Korea, China, American involvement?

3. American military involvement overseas, in the aftermath of World War II? The experience? Americans fighting in Asia?

4. Samuel Fuller, his work as a writer-director? Small-budget films? Tough and direct?

5. The film using the conventions of the war film, the focus on a particular platoon, their camaraderie, working together, the dangers, heroism, men dying, others surviving, helping?

6. The opening, the explanation of the situation, the maps, the weather and snow, the massing of the Korean troops, the plight of the Americans, the need to retreat? The possibility of retreat, and the squad protecting the rear of the retreating men?

7. The tough men, the general, his arm and the injury, his focus on the situation? The meeting of the advisers, the contact with headquarters? The decision to be made?

8. The selection of the men? The commanders? Gathering the group?

9. The retreating group, going through the snow, to get to the bridge, the crossing?

10. The focus on the leader, his role with the group, his personal leadership, less confidence but gaining confidence, interactions with the men? The different personalities? The leaders?

11. The presentation of the Koreans, their skills, strategies? The soldier walking into the trap, his being shot? The consequences?

12. The pursuit by the Koreans, the Americans taking stands? The deaths?

13. Coming back to the main group, the leader and the surviving men, the sudden appearance of the men who they thought had died?

14. A strong sense of patriotism? But no softening of the experience of war?