Halls of Montezuma (1951)

'Halls of Montezuma' just lacks the gut-wrenching power and poignancy of 1930's 'All Quiet on the Western Front', also directed by Lewis Milestone and one of the greatest war films ever made, but even to this day it remains extremely enjoyable.Do have to agree on the very few flaws covered in a couple of reviews already. Also did find the Japanese tactics revelation absurd and by today's standards and even back then it feels outdated and one flashback clumsy in placement and execution. Robert Wagner seemed a little wooden in places too.Conversely, 'Halls of Montezuma' is a great-looking film. The production values are suitably gritty, while the cinematography is outstanding and the editing remarkably smooth from frame to frame. The music, kept at minimum wisely, is rousing with a memorable theme song, while Milestone directs with eye for spectacle and an ability to make the story and drama absorbing, refusing to let the pace lag which is remarkable for a more intimate war film.The script is thought-provoking and while the characters seem like stereotypes at first there is a noble and successful effort to develop them, so they are interesting. The story is told with a lot of intimacy and ambition while also giving the war scenes real urgency and power. Excellent casting helps, and apart from slight reservations about Wagner, 'Halls of Montezuma' doesn't disappoint.Richard Widmark is a commanding lead, playing with searing intensity often, while Richard Boone, Karl Malden and Jack Webb are very strong in their roles as is a pre-"evil incarnate"/over-the-top specialist Jack Palance in one of his first roles (and for an early role he is very good indeed though he went on to better things).Overall, extremely enjoyable, not one of the most definitive war films ever but one of the most successful and interesting WWII films. 8/10 Bethany Cox

Arguably, it's one of the three or four best WWII movies ever made. A group of U.S. Marines race against the clock to find the source of enemy rockets that prevent them from taking control of a Japanese-held Pacific island. It's certainly a patriotic film. But there is also an undercurrent of despair, based on the human toll that war inevitably takes.These Leathernecks are tough, but they are also subject to death from enemy fire. And the screen story puts a lot of emphasis on individual characterization. I don't recall a film that did such a good job of combining scene transitions with flashbacks to help viewers understand the motivations of the main characters.Lt. Anderson (Richard Widmark) is the leader; he suffers from debilitating migraine headaches, but nevertheless pushes on to fulfill whatever dangerous mission he's assigned. One of his men is Conroy (Richard Hylton) who used to stutter, until Anderson helped cure him of it years earlier. Slattery (Bert Freed) is your typical Marine toughie, but he's got a sense of humor and conceals a portable still to make booze. Pretty Boy (Skip Homeier) is a pistol packing dude with a chip on his shoulder. Through the screen story's deep characterizations, viewers naturally become attached to these guys, and root for them as they enter into their dangerous mission. Of the dozen or so men Anderson leads, not all will make it out alive.As in other battle films, viewers learn the importance of quick decisions, teamwork, effective communication, and keen awareness of one's surroundings. Life occurs moment by moment, in the here and now. Make a plan; execute it; dodge a problem; ignore pain and fatigue; persist. These are lessons applicable to anyone at any time, not just warriors on the battlefield."Halls Of Montezuma" is a quality production all the way. The color cinematography is fine, despite the fact that some of the techniques are dated. The ensemble acting is credible. The editing and scene transitions are just terrific. And, as the film's bookends, that rousing theme song: "From the halls of Montezuma to the shores of Tripoli" gets the viewer in the right frame of mind.I normally don't care for movies in this genre. Even this film, like other WWII films, is a tad too predictable, slightly manipulative, and contains some outdated assumptions. Nevertheless, as war movies go, "Halls Of Montezuma" is one of the best.

This is truly a classic film showing the horror's WAR during WWII. America was at war with Italy in the beginning of the war and then Germany and Japan. This film depicts the fears and great sacrifices made by our fighting men during One of the worst periods of time. Richard Widmark (Lt. Carl Anderson),"Kiss of Death",'47, played a war veteran who had hang ups dealing with great headaches and Karl Malden(Doc Jones),"On The Waterfront",who supplied the mental support and pills to help Lt. Anderson help his men through the rough terrain. Jack Palance(Pigeon Lane),"The Silver Chalice"'54, gave a great supporting role, ranting and raving during the battle scenes. If you look close, you will see the very young Robert Wagner(Pvt.Coffman),"Banning",'67 perform a very dramatic role. This film is worth viewing and depicts the newly developed flame throwers and the rockets that were use by Japan. This was a necessary WAR, and our fighting men in WWII were greatly honored in this picture for all generations to view!

A very good war drama from director Lewis Milestone. The bonding relationships formed in combat is one part of the movie. The main plot finds US Marines searching for the source of Japanese rocket fire. Very spirited and Gung Ho. Ensemble cast provides the usual stereotypical men at war; fine performances from Richard Widmark, Reginald Gardiner, Richard Boone and Karl Malden. Lesser roles for Jack Webb, Neville Brand, Martin Milner and Robert Wagner.If you liked BATTLE CRY or just war movies in general; you will be pleased with this film.