It is 1943 in Russia near the Black Sea. Corporal Rolf Steiner (James Coburn) leads a platoon of soldiers on a patrol through Russian held territory. He returns to the lines to find that Captain Stransky (Maximilian Schell) is the new commander. Stransky voluntarily transferred from a cushy assignment in France in order to win an Iron Cross on the front lines. Stransky has already learned that Steiner is a living legend among the men and highly valued by the regimental commander, Colonel Brandt (James Mason). Steiner has won the Iron Cross. During a particularly difficult battle, Steiner is wounded and sent far behind the lines for recovery. When he returns, he is asked by Brandt about the battle and whether Stransky deserved the Iron Cross for his part in it. Stransky had never left his bunker. When the army retreats, Stransky abandoned Steiner and his men to be overrun, hoping they would be killed. Can Steiner dodge Russian soldiers and find the German Army? Will he have his revenge?
As often is the case with a Sam Peckinpah film, the blood is plentiful. The battle scenes dominate, a mixture of explosions, airborne bodies, bullet riddled soldiers, and collapsing buildings. More time is spent on nameless soldiers being killed and blown up than is spent developing the characters. When Lt. Meyer was killed, I only vaguely knew who he was, though it becomes noteworthy later. To help differentiate them, several of his men have some distinctive characteristic: half an ear, severely scared face, impressive mustache, youthful grin. Don't recall the names.
The conclusion wasn't. The German lines are falling and the various characters are engaged in battle, but their fates are unknown. They probably all died, except for Steiner; he returns in a sequel.
Just okay.
No comments:
Post a Comment