Attack! Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A bunch of guys in WWII discover that sometimes, your boss is a total weenie who got the job through nepotism, leading to a lot of yelling and some tank-related mishaps.

🍿 Attack!: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Initial Conflict and Cooney’s Cowardice

During the Battle of the Bulge in 1944, Lieutenant Joe Costa leads a platoon under the command of Captain Erskine Cooney. Cooney, positioned in his role due to political connections rather than merit, demonstrates cowardice in the face of enemy fire. This leads to significant casualties and a growing resentment from Costa and his men. The initial failure highlights Cooney’s incompetence and sets the stage for escalating tensions.

The Mission to La Nelle and Abandonment

Costa’s platoon is ordered to take a farmhouse outside the town of La Nelle, with Cooney promising reinforcements if needed. The platoon is quickly ambushed by German SS forces, suffering heavy losses. Despite Costa’s desperate calls for backup, Cooney succumbs to his fear and refuses to send aid, effectively abandoning the men. This betrayal fuels Costa’s rage and solidifies his determination to hold Cooney accountable.

Costa’s Return and Bartlett’s Intervention

Presumed dead, Costa miraculously returns, consumed by a desire for revenge against Cooney. The situation escalates as the town is overrun by Germans. Lt. Col. Clyde Bartlett, Cooney’s protector and a man motivated by political gain, remains indifferent to the welfare of the soldiers. As events unfold, Costa becomes severely wounded while bravely fighting German tanks to protect his men.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lt. Joe Costa (Jack Palance): A courageous and respected platoon leader who seeks revenge against his cowardly commanding officer.
• Capt. Erskine Cooney (Eddie Albert): A cowardly and incompetent captain whose political connections allow him to endanger his men.
• Lt. Col. Clyde Bartlett (Lee Marvin): A politically ambitious lieutenant colonel who protects Cooney to advance his own career.
• Lt. Harold Woodruff (William Smithers): The executive officer torn between loyalty to his men and duty to his superiors, ultimately doing what he believes is right.
• Sfc. Tolliver (Buddy Ebsen): Costa’s loyal and seasoned platoon sergeant who supports his lieutenant and expresses his disdain for Cooney.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lt. Joe Costa: “I’ll shove this grenade down your throat and pull the pin!” – Costa threatens Cooney with a grenade if he fails to provide support during their next mission.
• Sfc. Tolliver: “Captain, down around where I come from we dearly love our whiskey. But we don’t drink with another man unless we respect him.” – Tolliver refuses a drink from Captain Cooney, expressing his lack of respect for the cowardly officer.
• Lt. Col. Clyde Bartlett: “So the old judge wanted a son, huh? Looks like he had to lose one to get one.” – Bartlett cynically remarks about Captain Cooney after his death, highlighting the futility and political nature of the situation.
• Pfc. Bernstein: “When you salute them two, you have to apologize to your arm.” – Bernstein’s line reflects the widespread disdain for Captain Cooney and Colonel Bartlett among the enlisted men.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $750,000
• Domestic Gross: None
• Worldwide Gross: None

💥 Attack! Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so, I just watched ‘Attack,’ and wow, it was intense! The whole dynamic between Palance and Albert was gripping; you could really feel the tension. I was on the edge of my seat during the scenes in the farmhouse, and Palance’s death scene was just brutal. It really made me think about the pressures soldiers face and how bad leadership can mess everything up. I highly recommend it if you’re into war movies that go beyond the explosions.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of war dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in films about moral dilemmas”
  • “Those who appreciate strong performances by Jack Palance and Lee Marvin”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “War themes”
  • “Depiction of cowardice”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Attack! is a raw and unflinching look at the realities of war, focusing on the psychological toll it takes on soldiers. Aldrich masterfully creates a tense atmosphere, with Palance and Albert delivering powerhouse performances.
• The New York Times: “A compelling war drama that dares to explore the darker aspects of leadership and the moral compromises made during wartime. Though the staging may feel limited at times, the performances elevate the film above typical war fare.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Attack! is a strong and suspenseful war movie. The ensemble cast delivers powerful performances, highlighting the brutality of war and the flaws of human nature. While the film’s low budget is evident, the intensity of the drama is not diminished.

Audience Reactions

Palance’s performance is mesmerizing; he makes you believe in every ounce of his character’s pain and rage.: Viewers consistently praise the gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of war’s darker side, along with the powerhouse performances of the cast.

Eddie Albert’s portrayal of Captain Cooney is so convincing, you’ll find yourself despising him despite knowing he’s a capable actor.: Many fans love the movie’s exploration of moral complexities, showcasing the impact of cowardice and political maneuvering on soldiers’ lives.

Overall Consensus: A powerful and thought-provoking war film, praised for its raw realism and stellar performances, though sometimes hampered by its low budget and stage-bound feel. A must-see for fans of serious war dramas.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The U.S. Department of Defense and the U.S. Army refused to assist with the production of this movie because of its film script.”
• “Robert Aldrich had to rent two tanks and convey the impression that many more were being used by careful staging and ingenuity.”
• “Many of the actors, including Jack Palance, Lee Marvin, Peter van Eyck, and Eddie Albert, were veterans of World War II, bringing a sense of realism to their roles.”
• “The film was made on a low budget of $750,000 and shot in just 35 days on the RKO lot.”

🖥️ How to Watch Attack!?

As a classic film, Attack! is available for purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings for possible television airings. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Attack!, you might like these similar films:

• Paths of Glory (1957): Both films explore the themes of cowardice, corruption, and the abuse of power within the military during wartime.
• The Caine Mutiny (1954): Deals with the breakdown of command and the moral dilemmas faced by officers when dealing with an unstable superior, similar to the dynamic between Costa and Cooney.
• Cross of Iron (1977): Like Attack, Cross of Iron focuses on the brutal realities of war and the conflicts between officers and enlisted men, offering a cynical perspective on the battlefield.

🛒 Attack! Related Products

• World War II: The Definitive Visual History from D-Day to V-E Day: Comprehensive visual history of WWII, including detailed maps, photographs, and eyewitness accounts. Offers in-depth understanding of historical context of the movie.
• Academy Award Winning War Movies Collection [DVD]: A collection of acclaimed war films, showcasing diverse perspectives on the conflict. Includes classics like ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’.
• WWII US Army Soldier Action Figure: Highly detailed 1/6 scale action figure representing an American soldier from World War II. Includes authentic uniform and accessories.
• Call of Duty: Vanguard (PC): Immersive first-person shooter set in World War II, offering thrilling campaign and multiplayer experiences. Experience the battles of WWII from a different perspective.

🎧 Soundtrack

Attack! features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by Frank De Vol
• “Attack Theme” – performed by Frank De Vol
• “End Credits” – performed by Frank De Vol

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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