Too Late The Hero
1969
In Robert Aldrich's pulsating World War II thriller, Lawson (Cliff Robertson), an American naval officer specializing in Asiatic languages, is sent to the Pacific theater to assist a group of British soldiers (Michael Caine, Denholm Elliott, and Harry Andrews) in a seemingly simple mission--knock out the enemy's key transmitter... Read more
| Starring | Michael Caine, Henry Fonda, Cliff Robertson, Denholm Elliott |
|---|---|
| Director | Robert Aldrich |
| Genres | Action/Adventure, Drama |
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Too Late The Hero
In Robert Aldrich's pulsating World War II thriller, Lawson (Cliff Robertson), an American naval officer specializing in Asiatic languages, is sent to the Pacific theater to assist a group of British soldiers (Michael Caine, Denholm Elliott, and Harry Andrews) in a seemingly simple mission--knock out the enemy's key transmitter. But the allied soldiers soon realize they are up against unsurpassable odds and that hopes of survival are sliver thin. Lawson takes charge of the group and devises a daring plan of escape.
Robertson lends the film emotional depth with his portrayal of Lawson as a reluctant hero transforming himself into a leader as the suicidal nature of the mission grows ever clearer. In the tradition of Aldrich's earlier action-adventure extravaganzas THE DIRTY DOZEN and THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX, TOO LATE THE HERO features a formidable cast, exotic sets, cataclysmic special effects, and an ever-tightening grip of suspense, making the film a worthy addition to the director's canon of macho, white-knuckle forays deep into the lethal epicenter of war.
| Starring | Michael Caine, Henry Fonda, Cliff Robertson, Denholm Elliott, Harry Andrews, Ian Bannen, Ronald Fraser, Lance Percival |
|---|---|
| Director | Robert Aldrich |
| Studio | PRISM LEISURE |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 9 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Action/Adventure, Drama |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: 08 Apr 2002 Production year: 1969 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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Former child star Ricky Schroder is the weak link in this otherwise intriguing TV movie. The subject matter is fascinating — a young teen manages to enlist in the US Navy during the Second World War — and within the constraints of the genre, the film doesn't pull any punches in depicting the brutality of both the conflict and the armed forces themselves. However, Schroder's performance is unconvincing, despite the assured direction of TV movie regular Buzz Kulik.
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Aldrich tries the Dirty Dozen formula again. This time the setting is the Pacific sector in World War II, and the... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful member's review
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22 out of 34 people found this review helpful
World War II. A British Army position at the end of a Japanese Island is selected for an operation to penetrate enemy lines, destroy their radio equipment and broadcast a false message to confuse the troops and distract from the American Navy moving in nearby. American translator Lt Lawson (Cliff Robertson) is selected against his will to go and is put together with a group of British soldiers led by Capt. Hornsby (Denholm Elliott). Numbers drop off on the way to the mission point and a discovery changes events and leaves the unit fighting for survival. Michael Caine and Ian Bannan give excellent supporting rolls, as you would expect.
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Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
[Highly rated reviewer]
Anglos and Americans annoy Asians!
I could enthuse about this being another classic war story of comradeship and courage with an excellent cast, directed by a past master of the Genre.
I could even compare this plot as a parallel to the conflict that was going on in Vietnam at the time the movie was made.
The truth is that I saw this film on the big screen in 1970 and it left a lasting impression on me which meant that I was glad to see it and make its acquaintance again after all these years.
Yes, I am now old enough to see its wrinkles and flaws, but it is still an impressive production with a first-rate cast, believable action and some classic lines. Michael Caine is always worth the money and I think that quite a lot of people know that!
Rent it and decide for yourself. -
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Too Late The Hero
In Robert Aldrich's pulsating World War II thriller, Lawson (Cliff Robertson), an American naval officer specializing in Asiatic languages, is sent to the Pacific theater to assist a group of British soldiers (Michael Caine, Denholm Elliott, and Harry Andrews) in a seemingly simple mission--knock ...
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