Film Review: The Dirty Dozen (1967)

In today's world, it's hard to associate war with anything noble or chivalrous. Even small wars with no casualties leave a bitter taste in our mouths. However, this wasn't always the case. Thirty years ago, movie audiences, shaped by the global conflict of World War II, saw war as a necessary evil as long as their side was winning. This perception was reinforced by the series of World War II action films made in the 1960s, which often depicted small groups of dedicated and chivalrous Allied servicemen carrying out daring missions behind enemy lines. Ironically, it was a film from this very genre that began to challenge the notion of war as a noble endeavor. Directed by Robert Aldrich in 1967, The Dirty Dozen would go on to be the most memorable and influential of these war spectacles. Unfortunately, its reputation was tarnished by a series of uninspired television sequels made in the 1980s, including a rather silly television series shot in former Yugoslavia.

Based on the novel by E.M. Nathanson, the plot takes place in the spring of 1944. Allied forces in England are preparing for D Day, and the American top brass plans to disrupt the German command-and-control system with a raid on a French chateau filled with high-ranking German officers. However, the chateau is heavily fortified and guarded, and only the most expendable men can be used for this nearly suicidal mission. Major Reisman (played by Lee Marvin), a man known for getting the job done but lacking discipline, is tasked with assembling a group of twelve soldiers who have been court-martialed and convicted of murder, rape, and other offenses. They are offered full pardons in exchange for their participation in the mission. With the alternative being decades behind bars or even the death penalty, they all accept the offer. But training this unruly and undisciplined group proves to be a challenge for Reisman. Despite the difficulties, Reisman is patient, and "The Dirty Dozen" soon begins to function as an effective military unit. However, Reisman's superiors have doubts, and the unit must prove their abilities before being sent into combat.

The Dirty Dozen is an important film because it was the first to acknowledge a fact often ignored by militarists and war apologists: one of the necessary traits for being a good soldier is the lack of moral inhibitions towards killing another human being. Aldrich presents this fact by portraying the Dirty Dozen as a group of sociopaths, murderers, rapists, religious fanatics, and idiots. In any civilized society, these characters would be undesirable and likely end up in jails, death rows, or asylums. However, in the context of war, these traits become useful and are even encouraged by their less hypocritical superiors. Aldrich cleverly contrasts the Dirty Dozen, unshaved and dirty soldiers resembling barbarians, with their more "civilized" counterparts: the first US paratroopers led by the uptight Colonel Breed (played by Robert Ryan), and finally, the German soldiers, all in neat uniforms and probably nicer human beings than any of Reisman's group. In the final battle, the Dirty Dozen are portrayed as remorseless, stone-cold killers who brutally massacre a group of harmless old men, including their wives and girlfriends. In times of peace, such actions, reminiscent of the Columbine High School shooting, would be universally condemned. In times of war, they would be rewarded with decorations, promotions, and heroic attributes.

Despite its underlying themes, The Dirty Dozen is an extremely entertaining action film. The action element takes a backseat for much of the movie, allowing us to become acquainted with the multitude of colorful and interesting characters. These introductions are perhaps even more compelling than the final action sequences. The film showcases a talented ensemble cast, with many character actors delivering some of the most memorable performances of their careers. John Cassavetes is excellent as the mean and mutinous petty gangster Franco, Telly Savallas exudes evil charisma as the murderous religious fanatic, and a young Donald Sutherland impresses as the unit's idiot. However, the standout performance comes from Lee Marvin as Major Reisman, a tough and cynical officer who sees the world for what it is. He doesn't need his MP Sergeant Clyde Bowren (played by Richard Jaeckel) to remind him that the convicts he's working with are far from upstanding individuals. The attention to detailed character development results in a lengthy two and a half hours running time, but it leaves no room for unnecessary romantic subplots. This is a good thing since The Dirty Dozen is the ultimate Guy Movie, reducing women to recreational objects or more exotic examples of "collateral damage." Because of this, The Dirty Dozen should be appreciated for what it is and not tarnished by a remake in today's atmosphere of "political correctness."

While Aldrich's film is a classic, it does have some flaws. The final showdown, while spectacular, feels somewhat artificial compared to similar battles in films like Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan. Additionally, the ending is rather abrupt, cutting out the survivors' journey to safety. However, The Dirty Dozen remains a very good piece of Hollywood art that uses popular entertainment to reveal some rather unpleasant truths.

(Historical note: According to an article I read many years ago, the novel was actually based on a true story. US military convicts were offered a pardon in exchange for a similar suicide mission in Nazi-occupied France. They agreed but, upon landing, they turned tail and spent the rest of the war in neutral Spain. The use of pardoned convicts as soldiers is a common phenomenon, as demonstrated by experiences in former Yugoslavia. Both the Red Army and Wehrmacht employed this practice during World War II. The operation that most closely resembles this movie was conducted by the Germans. In May 1944, frustrated with unsuccessful attempts to track down and destroy the core formations of the Yugoslav Partisans, German High Command planned a daring parachute raid on the headquarters of Partisan leader Tito and trained an entire battalion of convicts for this purpose. In the end, Tito managed to escape, and the convict paratroopers, decimated in a fierce battle, took only Tito's freshly tailored Marshall uniform as their only trophy.)

RATING: 8/10 (+++)

(Note: The original text was posted in the Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on October 28th, 1999)

Watch the trailer here.

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