I must stand up and applaud Fox for putting these war classics on DVD. "The Yound Lions" was well done, but I enjoyed "Guadalcanal Diary" much better.
--George
Guadalcanal Diary
Directors: Lewis Seiler
Producers: Brian Foy
Writers: Lamar Trotti, Richard Tregaskis
Features: Theatrical Trailer; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection; Audio: English Stereo, English Mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish
Characters:
Father Donnelly - Preston Foster
Gunnery Sgt Hook Malone - Lloyd Nolan
Corporal "Taxi" Potts - William Bendix
Pvt. Jesus "Soose" Alvarez - Anthony Quinn
Pvt. Johnny "Chicken" Anderson - Richard Jaeckel
Genre: Classic
Review:
I must stand up and applaud Fox for putting these war classics on DVD. "The Yound Lions" was well done, but I enjoyed "Guadalcanal Diary" much better. It might be because it was an hour and a half shorter, but also because the war sequences were great, and the performances were good. "Guadalcanal Diary" was a tribute to the United States Marine Corp and the sacrifices they made for our country during WWII.
There weren't really any special features except the theatrical trailer for the film, along with other war movies. Everything else was pretty much standard for DVDs. I would have liked to have seen other features, but I realize that everyone involved with this film is pretty much dead. I don't think there was a chance for commentaries or interviews, but I believe this film stands on its own.
"Guadalcanal Diary" was based on the best seller from Richard Tregaskis with the same name. It is an action account of the Marines battles in the South Pacific and especially on the island of Guadalcanal. The Marines' bravery is narrarated by Reed Hadley, and their acts of courage are displayed in their battles. Names like Matanikau, Lunga Point, Tenaru River, Bloody Ridge, and Point Cruz soon became moments in history as these Marines fought back the Japenese to protect an airstrip. This airstrip served as a launching ground for attacks on the Japanese strongholds in the Pacific.
The soldiers in this film are not glamorized in the epic sense, as they are just "average Joe's" who are scared but rise above their fear to protect our country. I think that the true bravery of our Marines is not completely shown in this film, but it does make you feel grateful for the sacrifices these men did for us. It is a refreshing look to know that these men knew who the enemy was, and knew that their countrymen were behind them in the war effort. This film also wasn't hijacked by politically correct, liberal, "namby-pamby" dialog when describing the enemy. This is a film where the soldiers knew that the Japanese hated them and wanted them dead. There was no analyzing why the Japanese were angry or what America might have done to upset them. It was a righteous cause to end evil. It is a cause we fight today against terrorism.
I believe Americans should watch movies like these. It gives us a sense of pride in our military. The sacrifices they make, to put their lives on the line so that our freedoms are safe. What a joy to hear "Rocky Top" played ubiquitously through out the film as our Marines fought hard against an entrenched foe. Clearly, films like these renew a sense of history for our military, and something this generation should understand better.
I would rate "Guadalcanal Diary" with four stars out of five and would recommend everyone viewing this film. It is in black and white, but the action scenes and pure heroics should be enough to keep you attentive. I'm glad they kept it in the original B&W, because I think it is more real. This is also a movie that the whole family can see and enjoy. I know that I will try to find the book and read it. If you are a movie buff, or even if you're not, this is a movie to own!
---George Castillo