The post on "Where Eagles Dare" caused me to check TCM to see if I could catch it. I missed it, but I did catch "The Enemy Below," which I nominated as one of my favorite "Pre-1960 War Movie[s]." I recorded it and watched over the last couple days. I always liked Mitchum, and Jurgens is my idea of a non-Nazi German officer (or maybe Mike Pence ). Great movie. Great character study. The conversation between Mitchum's character, the ship Captain, and his ship's doctor (Russell Collins) helps make the movie great. Outstanding supporting cast

Great article about ""Twelve O'Clock High."

https://www.airspacemag.com/hi...lock-high-180970369/

The Caine Mutiny would be my favorite, I enjoy several that have been listed though.

Several listed, but probably Run Silent, Run Deep.

Sands of Iwo Jima

quote:

Originally posted by icom706:
For German war movies, Hunde, Wollt Ihr ewig Leben?
I like it, in large part because it portrays the heroic effort the 1st Romanian Army's effort against the initial Soviet hordes onslaught. This army actually stopped Marshal Zukov's 1st echelon attack, forcing him to commit his 2nd echelon in to combat, which was not the plan. It may have saved the German 4th Army.

Also interesting point. Notice how the Germans are portrayed in Stalag 17 and then in The Enemy Below. The former was made before West Germany's rearmament (allowed by the 3 western occupying powers) and entry in to NATO, while the later was made at about the time of West German entry in to NATO.

Friend of mine, a former USMC LTC with a doctor in history, likes to compare pre- and post West German NATO accession Hollywood U-Boat movies like this:

Old U-Boat commander: "Achtung! Achtung! Fire 17 more torpedos into ze burning hulk, then we surface, destroy ze lifeboats with gunfire, machinegun ze survivors and dynamite ze floating bodies! Heil Hitler!"

New, improved U-Boat commander: "Ach, another beautiful ship gone. Quick, let's surface to rescue ze survivors, put them in my cabin, and I will sleep in ze head. Oh, how I miss Greta and ze kids!"

For West German war movies, the 50s were an interesting period against the backdrop of controversial domestic debate on re-armament, opposed by a broad movement of intellectuals, war veterans and the churches. There were the patriotic ones, usually set on the Eastern Front, trying to win moral victories after the fact, usually suggesting the german soldier was brave and clean but abused by a dastardly and militarily inept political leadership (this is of course typical for countries after lost wars). The others were of the "never again" pacifist type, like the classic 1959 "Die Brücke" about a squad of Hitler Youth senselessly defending a bridge against advancing US troops. Avoid the 2008 TV remake, even if it has Franka Potente.

Mr Roberts (1955) w Henry Fonda, Jack Lemon, William Powell, and Jimmy Cagney. Directed by John Ford.

So many good ones, hard to choose. So I'll go at a slightly different angle and say....
Operation Petticoat.

Fighting 69th with Jimmy Cagney. I watched it many times as a child.

TCM will be featuring more than 70 WWII movies in May and June.

On Thursday (March 14), TCM -- the cable home for films from Hollywood’s bygone era -- revealed plans to mark the 75th anniversary of 1944′s D-Day invasion by airing more than 70 WWII-themed movies through the months of May and June. As part of those plans, TCM host Ben Mankiewicz will report for duty at the New Orleans museum on March 26-27 to film segments with curators who will serve as his co-hosts for the two-month-long programming block.

Not much I can add, but any thoughts on From Here To Eternity?

“Command Decision” with Clark Gable.

quote:

Originally posted by OKCGene:
Not much I can add, but any thoughts on From Here To Eternity?

Great novel. Typically mediocre film adaption.

A lot of great movies already mentioned. For me Casablanca is my all time favorite movie and if it can be considered a war movie that that would be my choice, followed closely by From Here to Eternity.

If it has to be a “combat” movie then I’d choose Twelve O’clock High.

One I also think is excellent (which might be considered a war movie) is The Best Years of Our Lives.

My vote is for 'Fort Apache.'

No clue about the date or the title but I think it should fit the bill.

One that impressed me since my young age is the one about the legless RAF pilot.

0-0

What about The Patriot? A year 2000 production with Mel Gibson.

I own a copy and watch it every year or two.

quote:

Originally posted by 0-0:
No clue about the date or the title but I think it should fit the bill.

One that impressed me since my young age is the one about the legless RAF pilot.

0-0

Reach For the Sky?

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049665/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Twelve O’Clock High. Run silent run deep and sands of Iwo Jima fascinated me as a kid so sentimental favorites. Sergeant York is another...but Gregory Peck and Co. I can and do still watch. Amazing movie wish they could stil tell a character based story like that in today’s movies.

quote:

Originally posted by OKCGene:
What about The Patriot? A year 2000 production with Mel Gibson.

I own a copy and watch it every year or two.

Unless it was filmed in 2000 BC, that doesn't qualify as "Pre-1960".