by Hal Erickson
synopsis
James Garner stars as WWII hero Major William Darby in this characteristically gusty William Wellman combat film. Darby organizes a highly-trained group of rangers, to be deployed in behind-the-lines activities in Italy and Northern Africa. The first portion of the film details the training, with time out for a few comic and romantic interludes; the second part shows Darby's Rangers in full, ferocious action. In addition to Garner, Warner Bros. used Darby's Rangers to spotlight another of its TV stars, Edd "Kookie" Byrnes; Bill Wellman Jr. also shows up in the supporting role of Eli Clatworthy. The film was adapted from the book by Major James Altieri.
characteristics
- Military Life
- For Love Of Country
- Tough Guys
- War
- Plunder
- Raid
- Romantic
- Pillage
- Romance
- Love
- Combat
- Battle [war]
- Good-guy
- Invader
- Invasion
