Rare War Film on TCM (2 Viewers)

lancer

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Today, at 2:15 EST, TCM is showing a film I have never seen before and is rarely shown on TV. It is called 'Jump Into Hell' and is about the battle/siege of Dien Bien Phu. It is a US film, made in 1955. I don't know anything about the film but I'm sure it will have accuracy problems because it is made so close to the event and is a Hollywood production. Still going to watch it as the subject matter is rather rare in films. -- Al
 
How was it?
It wasn't terrible but not sure I'd watch it again. Rather cheap production values and obvious California landscape subbing for Dien Bien Phu made it a little unconvincing. There were historically correct character and place names used and somewhat accurate unis and weapons, but only because there was so much US equipment used by the French forces to start with. Most interesting part of the movie was the limited use of actual French combat footage. -- Al
 
Thanks Al. Good movies are hard to come by, but when they do, I would dare say, they improve my quality of life. At least for a little while.
 
The movie is available for a limited time on the Watch TCM app. Reviews tend to be tepid. Script was written by Irving Wallace who, according to the reviews I read, would change his views about Vietnam over time, as would many. Directed by David Butler, who was responsible for directing such "classics" as Leave it to Beaver.
 
Can't say I've seen them on TCM, but for film buffs a couple of films set in Indo-china that might be found interesting are Rogues Regiment (1948) Hunting down Nazi's in the FFL and China Gate (1957) this one features Nat King Cole and yes he does sing a song whilst holding his Grease Gun.
Steve
 

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