If you haven't seen the movie, it's about Operation Market Garden and James Caan plays a sergeant in the 101st Airborne (one of only a huge cast). His captain, played by Nicholas Campbell is certain he will be killed during the coming operation and he makes James Caan guarantee him that he won't die.
June 15, 2023, 07:36 PM
pedropcola
That is how movies should be made. Great actors and great script. If only they still did that with any regularity.
June 15, 2023, 08:32 PM
YooperSigs
The Doctor in the sequence is played by Arthur Hill. Very prolific character actor. He had a great role in Harper.
End of Earth: 2 Miles Upper Peninsula: 4 Miles
June 15, 2023, 08:50 PM
parabellum
I saw this film in the movie theater when it was released.
I saw it in August, 1977 and on the same day, I saw The Deep.
It was a hot summer and the theaters were cool and dark. This was before the multiplexes, of course, so I and my friends had to go to two separate theaters to see these films. This was something I had not done before, or since. A great memory.
June 16, 2023, 08:10 AM
TMats
Great scene. I’m glad I’m not a Brit who has to pretend F.M. Montgomery was worthy of his position in the Allied army.
_______________________________________________________ despite them
June 16, 2023, 08:21 AM
220-9er
That was a great movie with exceptional actors as was The Longest Day, another from the same era. Growing up in that era, most kids parents were involved in some way in the war or war effort so it had a special meaning to many.
The thing that I appreciate so much, especially now, about these older productions is the sheer number of people and equipment, set pieces, space etc. that was used vs. filling in with even great CGI now.
A Bridge Too Far is one of those “spectacle” movies that will make your jaw drop at the sheer size of it.
If you’ve never seen it, and have even a passing interest in this type of flick you will enjoy it.
I loved Gene Hackman in it.
Take Care, Shoot Safe, Chris
June 16, 2023, 11:40 AM
YooperSigs
One of the best parts of A Bridge Too Far is how well it illustrates that hubris on the part of command can ruin an entire operation. Examples: Failing to heed the junior officers warning about reserve German armored units in the area. Poorly sited airborne drop zones. Radios that did not function. The "single road" attack route. The entire operation was doomed from the start.
End of Earth: 2 Miles Upper Peninsula: 4 Miles
June 16, 2023, 11:57 AM
TMats
quote:
Originally posted by YooperSigs: One of the best parts of A Bridge Too Far is how well it illustrates that hubris on the part of command can ruin an entire operation. Examples: Failing to heed the junior officers warning about reserve German armored units in the area. Poorly sited airborne drop zones. Radios that did not function. The "single road" attack route. The entire operation was doomed from the start.
Achievement of the objective required multiple elements to ALL be achieved (and on a strict timeline) in order for the mission to be successful. Failure of any element of the plan doomed the entire mission. As I recall, after this fiasco, Eisenhower pulled the reins in tight on Montgomery.
_______________________________________________________ despite them
June 16, 2023, 12:33 PM
corsair
quote:
Originally posted by TMats: Great scene. I’m glad I’m not a Brit who has to pretend F.M. Montgomery was worthy of his position in the Allied army.
Monty was the hero of North Africa and El Alamin, despite his insufferable personality, his cover was from the head of the British Army Gen Alan Brooke. MacArthur, like Monty was incredibly full of himself, was also very popular with 'middle-America', had many friends in Congress and had cover from FDR. Patton similarly to Monty, had an insufferable personality and was disliked by many of his peers, fortunately he and Ike were good friends.
June 17, 2023, 02:26 PM
SigSentry
Thanks. I recently picked up a 1948 copy of Eisenhower's Crusade in Europe to follow along.
June 17, 2023, 03:28 PM
jsbcody
quote:
Originally posted by corsair:
quote:
Originally posted by TMats: Great scene. I’m glad I’m not a Brit who has to pretend F.M. Montgomery was worthy of his position in the Allied army.
Monty was the hero of North Africa and El Alamin, despite his insufferable personality, his cover was from the head of the British Army Gen Alan Brooke. MacArthur, like Monty was incredibly full of himself, was also very popular with 'middle-America', had many friends in Congress and had cover from FDR. Patton similarly to Monty, had an insufferable personality and was disliked by many of his peers, fortunately he and Ike were good friends.
Quite a few of Monty's victories stemmed from Enigma decoding. Knowing exactly what the other side is doing and going to do can really help.
June 20, 2023, 05:20 PM
TheFrontRange
Indeed, one of my favorite films from my childhood that I re-screen periodically. The ensemble of actors assembled for this film is just amazing.
"The sea was angry that day, my friends - like an old man trying to send back soup in a deli." - George Costanza
June 21, 2023, 08:51 PM
amals
James Caan's bit, yes, and I thought Robt. Redford's character was good, as well. I liked the way he interacted with Ryan O'Neal's character when he came to give the assignment, then later as it got worse and worse. Sean Connery and Gene Hackman,too.