Hahaha!
Looks like you caught this on TCM yesterday as well. I had NEVER heard of this movie (shown under the USA title: TANK FORCE) and recorded it to my dvr. They had quite a few Victor Mature movies on yesterday, but this is the first time I have ever seen this movie!
While a non-sensical plot, I got a kick of out it, and I have to admit the machine pistol also caught my eye. Tank battles (especially vintage ones) are extremely rare on film. And speaking of rare stuff, how about that 4x4 AEC Armored Car they threw in there acting as the commanders vehicle.
And while British Centurians are masquerading as German Panzers in this movie, it still had a more authenic feel than say THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE where they had M24 Chaffees pretending to be Shermans and US Pattons playing the role as Tiger tanks!! (Sure they had to use something I know, but geez). As much I as get a kick out the the Battle of the Bulge flick, that always kind of ruins it for me.
Its too bad this movie was shown cropped to fit the screen on TCM and NOT shown in the original widescreen aspect ratio. I dont think this has ever been released on DVD or VHS for that matter in North America, so I guess the Pan and Scan print is all TCM had. Probably created for sale to North American TV stations prior to the switch to HDTV??
Oh well..... Still, I like it when TCM runs a movie that I have never seen before... whether its good or not! :)
Im giving it 5 out of 10.
Look everyone!... I killed a ZOMBIE!
reply
share
pmiano100
9 years ago
The British were churning out WWII movies like peanuts during the 1950s and early 1960s. Sure it wasn't the best film in the world, but they were filmed quickly and realistic war film weren't in at that time. Mature was no longer at his peak, but he freely admitted it. Unlike most American actors of his generation, he never took his profession or himself too seriously. Still, if you're in the mood for a light adventure yarn, this is a good way to spend some time.
reply
share
Marlburian
8 years ago
Just seen it courtesy of Youtube. Not bad, until the escapees get to the club run by Thatcher's girl-friend. Then it goes downhill. Amazing how Thatcher is tortured to the extent that he can't sign the confession, so damaged is his wrist, but within hours is able to perform Action Man heroics.
I was quite glad I'd watched it, but it was nothing special.
reply
share
The_Khazi
8 years ago
I thought some of the British tanks were Cromwells as the gun looked too small for a Comet but quite hard to tell.This is really quite good fun and much better than "Paratrooper" which was also made by Warwick productions and produced by Albert R.Broccoli.Uniforms and equipment are pretty good,the film`s packed with action and watch out for a very young Luciana Paluzzi(Fiona Volpe from Thunderball).Some of the other future Bond team are also onboard :Terence Young,Richard Maubaum,Syd Cain to name a few.Leo Genn is the pick of the actors and Victor Mature,with a very silly neckerchief,just present to pick up any passing American interest.
I don`t ever recall a commercial release but it`s been showing on Movies4Men UK Freeview 48.
reply
share
petermetcalfe48
7 years ago
I caught the end of this film last night.From a brief look during the end battle I think the smaller tanks were Cromwells as Comets had return rollers for the tracks.It also looked as if they wrecked one at the end,it would have been worth a small fortune now.Also what magnificent looking vehicles Centurion tanks were,no wonder they sold like hot cakes in their day.
reply
share