the dirty dozen
“The Dirty Dozen” is a 1967 American war film directed by Robert Aldrich and is based on the 1965 novel of the same name by EM Nathanson. The film features a cast that includes Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, Jim Brown and more.
Set during World War II in 1944, the film centers on a group of twelve convicts who are gathered into a military penal unit and trained as commandos by the Allies. Their mission is dangerous and involves a suicide mission before the Normandy landings.
The film was inspired by a real World War II unit known as the “Filthy Thirteen,” which was made up of demolition specialists behind the lines of the 101st Airborne Division. There is also a possible connection to an offer made by 44 prisoners serving life sentences at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary to President Franklin D. Roosevelt to serve in the Pacific War on suicide missions against the Japanese.
“The Dirty Dozen” was a box office hit, winning an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing and earning a spot on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 Most Exciting Movies.
Additionally, the film spawned several television movie sequels in the 1980s, including “The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission,” “The Dirty Dozen: The Deadly Mission,” and “The Dirty Dozen: The Fatal Mission.” Warner Bros. also announced a remake in 2019, showcasing the lasting impact and popularity of this iconic war film.
https://www.youtube.com/embed/ff1V6ywnWcY?si=4NxAdCHIASt5vSET
Is The Dirty Dozen based on a true story?
The Dirty Dozen was inspired by a real-life group known as the “Filthy Thirteen”, the film took many liberties with the facts. In the film, the commandos are portrayed as convicted criminals who are given the opportunity to earn their freedom by volunteering for a dangerous mission.
While the Filthy Thirteen existed during World War II and were an unconventional group of soldiers, their history and motivations were different from what the film portrays. The film is a work of fiction and should not be considered a historical account.
Dirty Dozen Cast
Cast |
characters |
|
Lee Marvin |
Major John Reisman |
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Ernest Borginine |
Major General Sam Worden |
|
charles bronson |
Jose Wladislaw |
|
Jim Brown |
Robert T. Jefferson |
|
John Cassavetes |
Victor R. Franko |
|
Richard Jaeckel |
Sergeant Clyde Bowren |
|
george kennedy |
Major Max Armbruster |
|
trini lopez |
Pedro Jimenez |
|
Ralph Meeker |
Captain Stuart Kinder |
|
robert ryan |
Colonel Everett Dasher Breed |
|
telly savalas |
Goalkeeper J. Maggot |
|
donald sutherland |
Vernon L. Pinkley |
|
Clint Walker |
samson posey |
|
Robert Webber |
Brigadier General Denton |
|
Tom Busby |
Milo Vladek |
|
Ben Carruthers |
Glenn Gilpin |
|
Stuart Cooper |
Roscoe Lever |
|
Colin Maitland |
Seth K. Sawyer |
|
Al Mancini |
Tassos R. Bravos |
|
Robert Phillips |
Corporal Carl Morgan |
|
Dora Reisser |
The German officer’s girl. |
|
George Roubicek |
Private Arthur James Gardner |
|
thick wilson |
General Worden’s assistant |
The Dirty Dozen Plot
“The Dirty Dozen” is set against the backdrop of World War II, where OSS officer Major John Reisman is tasked with a covert mission known as “Project Amnesty.” His mission is to transform a group of twelve hardened convicts, most of whom were facing death sentences or long-term imprisonment, into a trained commando unit. Their goal: infiltrate a castle near Rennes, France, and eliminate Wehrmacht officers to disrupt the German chain of command before D-Day. The problem is that if any of the convicts survive the dangerous mission, they will be will grant forgiveness.
Reisman meets the twelve convicts in a military prison, where he quickly establishes his authority. Under his guidance, they begin to work together and build their own training camp. Despite challenges and insubordination, Reisman’s leadership molds them into a cohesive team known as the “Dirty Dozen.” Their training involves psychoanalysis by Captain Kinder, who identifies Maggott, a psychopathic criminal, as the most dangerous among them. As the training nears completion, they face additional obstacles, including interference from Colonel Breed and doubts from ADSEC staff.
The film’s climax sees the Dirty Dozen parachute into France, where they face unexpected challenges. Despite setbacks and casualties, they manage to carry out their mission, eliminating the Wehrmacht officers. In the end, only Reisman, Bowren, and Wladislaw survive, and General Worden exonerates the sole survivor while he passes on the sacrifice of the others to his closest relatives.
This action-packed plot, packed with twists and turns, shows the transformation of a group of convicts into a formidable commando unit and their daring mission behind enemy lines during a crucial moment in history.
Where was The Dirty Dozen filmed?
“The Dirty Dozen” was filmed in England at MGM-British Studios and released by MGM. This iconic war film, set during World War II in 1944, is set against the backdrop of England. The story revolves around a group of twelve convicts who transform into a commando unit and train for a dangerous mission that leads to the Normandy landings.
The choice of filming location in England adds an authentic atmosphere to the film, capturing the historical essence of the time. MGM-British Studios provided the production team with the necessary facilities and sets to recreate the war period and the challenges the Dirty Dozen faced during their training and mission. The film’s success can be attributed not only to its compelling plot and talented cast, but also to the realistic and immersive filming location that contributed to its overall authenticity and impact.
The Dirty Dozen Review
“The Dirty Dozen” is a gripping and action-packed war film set against the backdrop of World War II. The plot follows Major John Reisman as he takes on the difficult task of turning a group of hardened convicts into skilled commandos for a covert mission. The story is filled with tension and suspense as the convicts, facing life sentences or worse, are trained to become a cohesive unit known as the “Dirty Dozen.” Their journey from insubordination to teamwork is convincingly portrayed and the film keeps viewers interested throughout.
What sets “The Dirty Dozen” apart are its complex characters, each with their own pasts and dark motivations. The cast delivers stellar performances, with Lee Marvin as Major Reisman leading the way.
The film delves into the psychological aspects of the characters, especially in the chilling interpretation of the psychopath Maggott. The action sequences are intense and the film’s climax, set in a castle in northern France, is both exciting and suspenseful. Overall, “The Dirty Dozen” combines a well-crafted plot, solid character development, and intense action to create a classic war film that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
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