by Hal Erickson
synopsis
Surely Benjamin Appel's novel Fortress in the Rice was more interesting than its static film adaptation Cry of Battle. Van Heflin plays a crusty soldier of fortune fighting with the Philippine partisans during World War II. James MacArthur co-stars as the wealthy, aimless son of a businessman who joins the partisan cause for a lark. He is toughened up by Heflin and romanced by local girl Rita Moreno. Life's just full of surprises, isn't it?
characteristics
- Mercenary
- Occupation [military]
- Soldier-of-fortune
- War
- Life Under Occupation
- Japanese [nationality]
- For Love Of Country
- Guerilla
- Guerrilla
