The Devil's Brigade

1968

2 hr. 10 min.

War

Drama

List

50%

6 Reviews

Tomatometer

68%

2,500+ Ratings

Audience Score

At the onset of World War II, American Lt. Col. Robert Frederick (William Holden) is put in charge of a unit called the 1st Special Service Force, composed of elite Canadian commandos and undisciplined American soldiers. With Maj. Alan Crown (Cliff Robertson) leading the Canadians and Maj. Cliff Bricker (Vince Edwards) the acting head of the American contingent, there is initial tension -- but the team comes together when given a daunting mission that few would dare to attempt.

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Kevin B

Really enjoyed this movie

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

Chris M

I don't know if this was based on actual events but considering how insanely stupid this plan was, I hope not. War movies does have one thing in common with horror movies, you need the audience to care about the characters. So when you start killing them off you say, "NOT THAT GUY!" Not "About time that asshole died!" But they could kill off the entire cast and I wouldn't bat an eye. Also, they killed a real snake in the movie for no reason at all. The acting is good but good acting in a bad movie still makes it a bad movie.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

09/18/22

Full Review

Audience Member

Pretty average war film. Other than some aspects of the film which may be based on real events, the main storyline follows a well trodden path. misfit soldiers train up to be good (first half of film) then go to war (second half). The fighting is very gung-ho and completely unrealistic. There are many better war films than this - what one of those.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/27/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This film has America written all over it. From the rivalries to the bravery. Even the hard nose conpassions of william Holdens part. Shined woth glowing American pride. The only downside to this film is that it was not long enough. I enjoyed even minute of this very entertaining fim. It is truly ashame that Hollywood is no longer capable of the kind of patriotism.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/09/23

Full Review

kevin w

An all-star cast of character actors, playing misfits and incorrigibles, are given to desk jockey William Holden (!) to turn into a more-than-capable fighting force. Based on a true story, one half of the recruits hate the other half, putting into serious question whether or not any goals can be achieved. But guess what? In any case, the effort comes across like the Dirty Dozen's kid brother, capable and well meaning, but not up to the task.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Based on a true story, thank you all, especially to those who took part and sacrificed in 1SSF. The pioneers who took the 1st step towards today's modern special forces. TY so much. From vet to another.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

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Andrew V. McLaglen

Director

William Holden

Lt. Col. Robert T. Frederick

Cliff Robertson

Maj. Alan Crown

Vince Edwards

Maj. Cliff Bricker

Michael Rennie

Lt. Gen. Mark Clark

Dana Andrews

Brig. Gen. Walter Naylor

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

There was doubtless stupidity on both sides during the war; there's certainly no lack of it in The Devil's Brigade.

Rated: 2.5/4

Oct 23, 2004

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

Out of the numerous WWII adventure yarns from the 1960s that featured all-star casts, The Devil’s Brigade turned out to be among the weaker offerings.

Rated: 2/4

Feb 8, 2024

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

Only the stuntmen excel in this star-studded but inane war film filled with tiresome cliches.

Rated: C

May 24, 2018

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 3/5

Aug 18, 2005

Full Review

Robin Clifford

Reeling Reviews

Rated: 3/5

Feb 14, 2005

Full Review

Kurt Dahlke

Apollo Guide

Rated: 80/100

Oct 2, 2002

Full Review

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Synopsis

At the onset of World War II, American Lt. Col. Robert Frederick (William Holden) is put in charge of a unit called the 1st Special Service Force, composed of elite Canadian commandos and undisciplined American soldiers. With Maj. Alan Crown (Cliff Robertson) leading the Canadians and Maj. Cliff Bricker (Vince Edwards) the acting head of the American contingent, there is initial tension -- but the team comes together when given a daunting mission that few would dare to attempt.

Director: Andrew V. McLaglen
Screenwriter: William Roberts
Production Co: United Artists
Genre: War, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 16, 2008

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