The Devil’s Brigade Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A by-the-books colonel turns a bunch of jailbirds and polite Canadians into the most badass military unit ever, mostly by getting them into bar fights and making them climb mountains.

🍿 The Devil’s Brigade: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Formation of the First Special Service Force

In 1942, Lieutenant Colonel Robert T. Frederick is tasked with creating a new commando unit comprised of both American and Canadian soldiers. The American contingent consists of misfits and former convicts, while the Canadians are elite, highly-trained troops. The initial culture clash leads to friction and challenges as Frederick attempts to forge a cohesive fighting force. The training regimen is rigorous, pushing both groups to their limits.

Training and Unlikely Camaraderie

The training intensifies, focusing on skiing, hand-to-hand combat, and unconventional warfare tactics. Despite their differences, the soldiers gradually begin to respect and trust one another. A pivotal bar fight against local lumberjacks solidifies their bond, forging a sense of camaraderie and unity between the American and Canadian troops. This newfound cohesion transforms them into a formidable fighting unit.

Mission to Italy

Initially slated for a mission in Norway, the Devil’s Brigade is reassigned to Italy. Their first objective is to scout and secure a German-occupied town. Frederick devises a daring plan to infiltrate the town via a treacherous mountain route. The brigade successfully captures the town, showcasing their exceptional skills and earning the moniker ‘Die Teufelsbrigade’ (The Devil’s Brigade) from their German adversaries.

Assault on Monte la Difensa

The brigade is tasked with capturing Monte la Difensa, a heavily fortified mountain stronghold that has resisted numerous Allied assaults. Frederick plans a daring assault, scaling a seemingly impossible cliff face while Allied forces provide a distracting artillery barrage. The brigade successfully breaches the German defenses, engaging in fierce hand-to-hand combat and ultimately securing the mountain, paving the way for further Allied advances in Italy.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lt. Col. Robert T. Frederick (William Holden): The inexperienced but determined U.S. Army lieutenant colonel tasked with forging a commando unit from American misfits and elite Canadian troops.
• Maj. Alan Crown (Cliff Robertson): The proud and skilled Canadian Major who initially clashes with the American recruits but eventually forms a strong bond with them.
• Maj. Cliff Bricker (Vince Edwards): The resourceful American Major who helps Frederick whip the American misfits into shape and obtain necessary supplies.
• Pvt./Cpl. Rockwell W. “Rocky” Rockman (Claude Akins): The initially unruly American recruit who develops camaraderie and respect within the Devil’s Brigade.
• Sgt. Pat O’Neill (Jeremy Slate): The Canadian close combat specialist who trains the brigade in hand-to-hand combat and fosters respect between the Americans and Canadians.
• Cpl./Sgt. Peacock (Jack Watson): The stern Canadian NCO who initially butts heads with the American soldiers but ultimately bonds with them through shared experiences.
• Lt. Gen. Mark Clark (Michael Rennie): The U.S. Army general who gives Frederick and his brigade a chance to prove themselves in Italy after their initial mission is cancelled.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Maj. Alan Crown: “Corporal Peacock, your stripes are not a licence to behave like an ass. There will be no more insulting or derogatory remarks about the Yanks, is that clear?” – After the Canadians sing a mocking version of ‘Yankee Doodle,’ Crown reprimands Peacock to maintain discipline.
• Lt. Col. Robert T. Frederick: “We’re going to form a commando unit, a special force. We’re going to make them the best.” – Frederick outlines his vision for the unit despite the initial skepticism and challenges.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: $8,000,000
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 The Devil’s Brigade Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘The Devil’s Brigade’ as a kid and being completely captivated. The way the Canadians and Americans, who initially couldn’t stand each other, came together as a unit was really inspiring. The final battle sequence, climbing that mountain under fire, still gives me chills. Maybe it’s nostalgia, but I think it’s a really solid war movie with some truly memorable moments.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic war movies”
  • “Those interested in World War II history”
  • “Viewers who appreciate ensemble cast films”
  • “People who enjoy action-packed stories of military units”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “War violence and combat scenes”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Some intense battle sequences”
  • “Brief depiction of bar fight”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Though undeniably formulaic, ‘The Devil’s Brigade’ provides a rousing, action-packed WWII experience. McLaglen masterfully balances tension and camaraderie, resulting in a film that’s both exciting and emotionally resonant. While Holden’s performance may seem somewhat detached, the strong supporting cast elevates the overall impact, making it a worthwhile watch for war film enthusiasts.
• The New York Times: “Despite its familiar tropes, ‘The Devil’s Brigade’ offers a decently engaging take on the WWII commando narrative. While it doesn’t break new ground, McLaglen’s direction keeps the pace brisk, and the action sequences are competently executed. The film’s strength lies in its ensemble cast, who bring depth to their roles, making the camaraderie and sacrifices feel genuine.
• Los Angeles Times: “In ‘The Devil’s Brigade,’ McLaglen delivers a solid WWII action film that satisfies with its blend of tension and humor. While some elements feel predictable, the camaraderie and character dynamics keep you invested. Standout performances and action sequences solidify its place as a reliable entry in the genre.

Audience Reactions

The bar fight scene is a classic, showing the Americans and Canadians finally bonding.: Viewers consistently praise the camaraderie between the soldiers and the exciting action sequences.

The final battle on the mountain is intense and showcases the brigade’s determination.: The movie’s gripping action keeps audiences on the edge of their seats.

Overall Consensus: While some critics found the movie formulaic, audiences generally enjoy ‘The Devil’s Brigade’ for its action, camaraderie, and portrayal of a real-life WWII unit.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the true story of the First Special Service Force, a joint American-Canadian commando unit during World War II.”
• “Although filmed in color, the movie’s visual style and gritty realism were heavily influenced by black and white war documentaries.”
• “The portrayal of the American recruits as ‘misfits’ was a dramatic device. In reality, both American and Canadian soldiers were highly trained.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Devil’s Brigade?

The Devil’s Brigade is available for purchase on various platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check these services for rental and purchase options. Availability may vary depending on your region. Unfortunately as of this time, it is not available on any streaming services like Netflix or Hulu.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Devil’s Brigade, you might like these similar films:

• The Dirty Dozen (1967): Features a group of military misfits trained for a dangerous mission, sharing a similar team-building and action-oriented plot.
• Where Eagles Dare (1968): Another classic WWII action film involving a daring commando raid into enemy territory.
• Inglourious Basterds (2009): A modern take on WWII commando operations with a focus on unconventional tactics and a diverse group of soldiers.
• A Bridge Too Far (1977): Depicts a large-scale, ambitious Allied operation with a strong focus on the challenges and human cost of war.

🛒 The Devil’s Brigade Related Products

• The Devil’s Brigade: Robert H. Adleman: A gripping account of the First Special Service Force, delving into the stories of the men who formed this elite fighting unit.
• World War II US Army 1st Special Service Force (Devil’s Brigade) Patch: A high-quality embroidered patch replicating the insignia of the First Special Service Force, a must-have for collectors and history buffs.
• The Devil’s Brigade T-Shirt: A stylish tee featuring the iconic logo of the First Special Service Force, letting you wear your love for this legendary unit.
• Call of Duty: WWII: Experience the intensity of World War II combat in this critically acclaimed video game. While not directly featuring the Devil’s Brigade, it puts you in the boots of soldiers fighting in similar European theater battles.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “You Always Hurt the One You Love” – performed by Allan Roberts and Doris Fisher
• “Die Teufelsbrigade March” – performed by Alex North

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why Nazis Were Terrified of The Devil’s Brigade

Ever wondered why the Nazis were so scared of this particular unit? This video dives into the historical reasons and it’s pretty wild to see how effective they were!

Why Nazis Were Terrified of The Devil’s Brigade

Interested in how special forces came to be? This video breaks down the Devil’s Brigade’s impact on today’s special ops and it’s super insightful.

Reaction To The Devil’s Brigade – The Canadians Arrive (Scotland the Brave)

Want to see someone’s genuine reaction to the scene where the Canadian troops arrive? It’s hilarious and makes you appreciate that moment even more!

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