The Devil's Brigade

Best war movie. Along with The Longest Day, The Bridge at Remagen, and The Great Escape!

Not on par with WWII classics such as "Dam Busters" or "Sink the Bismarck" but still an entertaining way to pass a couple of hours

This is one of the best US war movies ever made. It's honest depiction of the Black Devils is nearly flawless and William Holden's portrayal of the Commanding Officer Lt. Col Frederick is spot on. This movie has a great cast and is nearly never short of tension, action and some pretty good character development. Enjoy.

A well researched movie about a little known group of fighting men. The men were the forefathers of todays Army Special Forces. Actually known as "The Black Devils" because they smeared black camoflage on their faces the First Special Service Force first saw action in the Anzio Campaign. Unlike what is represented in the movie, Monte La Difensa was actually the first combat action for the force. Casualties for the force in the italian campaign were unbelieveably high, close to 70%. William Holden does a credible job as Col. Frederick and Cliff Robertson is outstanding as Maj Crown whom I believe represents Lt Col. McWilliams of the Second Regiment. All the basic historical elements are correct with some chronological rearrangement perhaps. While the movie does a good job presenting the difficulty of carrying out such an operation, the true story is even more daring. The assault on Monte La Difensa took place in the middle of the night in December 1943. A bold and daunting task taking that many men up a sheer cliff face in the darkness. But it is hard to film a military assault at night, so we should forgive hollywood this minor inaccurracy in order to tell the story. However, I cannot find any historical basis for the assault (in the movie) on the town of Santa Anita. That said, the concept, formation, training (except for the omission of paratrooper training), and the assault on La Difensa are well done. Most notable is the bonding of men who share danger and the closeness that ensues. A first rate film and you have to give them a nod for accuracy. Not perfect but pretty doggone good. Two thumbs up.

good movie. Rented it. Did not realize it would expire after starting watching it in 24 hours. That's too short a time. Was not able to see the whole thing. Should consider giving people more time to watch it when renting it. People are busy these days and 24 hours is not a long time any more. Royburt

This movie is great. It tells about to different type of armies working together to fight the real enemy.

I love this movie, it tells about a ragtag American brigade, made up of prisoners, gamblers, and all around bad soldiers. When a stuck up, professional Canadian unit comes to add to the brigade, things get ugly and funny. They eventually learn how to live with each other and and win mission after mission. All around great movie which is just as much funny as it is action-oriented. Great for anyone who loves war movies or action comedies.

Pretty good movie, although some editing could have been better, like when an American GI is tackling a German and they add his grunts and wheezes after the shot. Strange. But it is a worthwile movie I think. Really good actors. But it still takes second to Saving Private Ryan.