On M List of Movie Reviews
(For optimum viewing, adjust the zoom level of your browser to 125%.)
Merrill's Marauders (1962)
Rate:
7
Viewed:
6/24
6/24:
I knew I could depend on Samuel Fuller when it came to war pictures.
He had a first-hand knowledge by experiencing it during WWII and thus directed
The Big Red One. It certainly shows in Merrill's Marauders. The key difference is
his honest insight into what war is really like which means no John Wayne bullshit. Realities of fighting in Asia involve
tropical disease, battle fatigue, hunger, morale issues, sleep deprivation, and mental and physical breakdown.
The first hour is boring, but as soon as Brigadier General Frank D. Merrill has a meeting with his men for
the next assignment which is capturing Myitkyina, that's when the film starts to take off. The rest of the way is close to being on
the same level as Platoon. Hence, the achievement is impressive in terms of what the men had to
endure by going to the very limit. I like the cinematography which was handled by William H. Clothier that was shot on location
in the Philippines.
By the way, I wondered why I hadn't seen Jeff Chandler in any more films during the 60's and onwards. It turns out that he suffered
a back injury from playing baseball on the set but pressed on while being filmed in pain as he received injections and that he
had to have surgery afterwards but died when an artery was accidentally severed, causing him to hemorrhage. Jeff Chandler was
42 at the time.
All in all, Merrill's Marauders is among the most realistic war movies made.