It's the summer of 42. Col. Frederick (William Holden) is a critic of Mountbatten's plan to train a joint Canadian and American commando unit to send to occupied Norway. Mountbatten promptly puts him in command. The Americans are a bunch of disgruntled misfits and they don't get along with the regimented Canadians led by Major Crown (Cliff Robertson). The two desperate groups eventually find respect and work together. The new unit is almost disbanded but Frederick persists and gets into Italy. They are eventually assigned an impossible mission.
The first half is a bit boring. There are so many characters that it's impossible for one of the men to become the lead. In the end, it's still Frederick as the lead. The only true requirement is a setup. It could be cut back a lot. The second half is much more compelling as the men go into action. At least, there is a danger that is missing in the first half. The final battle takes place in an impressive setting. It could be more thrilling but it's still pretty good.
The first half is a bit boring. There are so many characters that it's impossible for one of the men to become the lead. In the end, it's still Frederick as the lead. The only true requirement is a setup. It could be cut back a lot. The second half is much more compelling as the men go into action. At least, there is a danger that is missing in the first half. The final battle takes place in an impressive setting. It could be more thrilling but it's still pretty good.