During the winter of 1944, German forces mount a fierce counter-offensive in the Belgian Ardennes, leading to heavy losses for Lieutenant Costa’s platoon due to the failings of Captain Cooney. Costa is determined to hold Cooney accountable and survive the escalating dangers. The piece also highlights Robert Aldrich, a visionary director known for his bold storytelling and acclaimed films like The Dirty Dozen and Attack!, which critiques the harsh realities of war despite facing significant production challenges.
Winter 1944: A Critical Turning Point
In the heart of the Belgian Ardennes during the winter of 1944, the German forces launch a desperate counter-offensive against the advancing Allies. Amidst this chaos, Lieutenant Costa and his platoon face tremendous losses, primarily due to the cowardice and incompetence of Captain Cooney, their commanding officer. With a mission ahead, Costa is determined to hold Cooney accountable for the lives lost under his command, vowing to make him pay if he abandons them again. As Costa navigates the perilous front lines, the tension escalates, and he finds himself in a fight for survival, where his promises may soon come to fruition.
Robert Aldrich: The Visionary Director
Renowned for his unyielding spirit and unique storytelling style, director Robert Aldrich carved a niche for himself in Hollywood. Often at odds with studio executives, Aldrich was labeled the ‘Taras Bulba of Hollywood’ due to his radical and visceral filmmaking approach. While he is best remembered for his iconic war film, The Dirty Dozen, his diverse filmography spans multiple genres, including thrillers like The Longest Yard, westerns like Vera Cruz and Apache Fury, and the haunting drama What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?, featuring an unforgettable rivalry between Bette Davis and Joan Crawford.
Despite facing resource constraints, Aldrich’s creativity shone through. In his film Attack!, he collaborated once again with Jack Palance, who delivered a powerful performance in this dark war narrative. The film critiques the corrupting nature of war, the brutality of combat, and the failings of high-ranking officials, a message that did not sit well with the American Department of Defense, which withheld support for the production. Aldrich candidly noted the challenges of working with a limited budget, revealing how he had to acquire his own military equipment to bring authenticity to the film.
Aldrich’s decision to shoot in black and white further heightened the film’s stark realism, focusing on the raw, emotional experiences of the characters. The film features outstanding performances from actors like Eddie Albert and Lee Marvin, who portray cowardly soldiers—a stark contrast to their real-life war heroics. Eddie Albert was involved in a heroic effort to rescue seventy Marines under enemy fire, while Lee Marvin sustained serious injuries during the Battle of Saipan, a traumatic experience that left a lasting mark on him.
Don’t miss the chance to experience Attack!, a compelling war film that remains impactful. Catch it now on Prime Video!