The Cockleshell Heroes is a wartime story that is primarily true, but it carries some story embellishments that might be viewed as baggage or entertainment. Like The Dirty Dozen, a ragtag group of "volunteers" is assembled to attempt a daring, death-be-damned mission. The lead up to the mission is filled with some conventions of the genre: an untested younger officer who is put in command of a seasoned officer of lesser rank; He uses unconventional methods; obedience is a problem; the odds against success are nearly impossible.
The actual mission is rather linear. As the group encounters German forces along the way, their ranks are reduced until only one pair completes the mission without capture.
The value of the mission is not clearly established. The viewer is left to assume that blowing up boats must be important. But if the mission's objective had been better explained as integral to larger military objectives, the viewer might buy into the drama with more emotion. An alternative would have been to give the enemy a face, perhaps by creating a German officer given the task of protecting the vital German ships. (See The Bridge on the River Kwai for an example of this approach).
A young Anthony Newley is the surprise of this film. Who knew his talents would later be shown to be so multifaceted?
This movie is a rather uncomplicated story that entertains, but is not inspiring. Competent but not a tour de force.
The actual mission is rather linear. As the group encounters German forces along the way, their ranks are reduced until only one pair completes the mission without capture.
The value of the mission is not clearly established. The viewer is left to assume that blowing up boats must be important. But if the mission's objective had been better explained as integral to larger military objectives, the viewer might buy into the drama with more emotion. An alternative would have been to give the enemy a face, perhaps by creating a German officer given the task of protecting the vital German ships. (See The Bridge on the River Kwai for an example of this approach).
A young Anthony Newley is the surprise of this film. Who knew his talents would later be shown to be so multifaceted?
This movie is a rather uncomplicated story that entertains, but is not inspiring. Competent but not a tour de force.