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Spring 2010 Program
MERRILL'S MARAUDERS
Tues, February 23, 7pm, MB 1, Warner Student Life CenterFee and Code: $5 per person. Brookdale students: Free.
XWWTS 216
Jeff Chandler stars as American brigadier-general, Frank Merrill, commanding a specially trained regiment in Burma during World War II. The specialty of the regiment – jungle warfare. Continually surrounded on all sides by the Japanese, Merrill's Marauders nonetheless accomplish their objective, only to be ordered into other missions with barely a chance to breathe. Again and again this happens, and again and again the Marauders remain fiercely loyal to their dauntless commander, Merrill. A "war doesn't take vacations" theme is a common one running through this combat film. It is grim, gritty, intense, jungle warfare well worth seeing.
DECISION BEFORE DAWN
Tues, March 16, 7pm, TW 1, Warner Student Life Center
Fee and Code: $5 per person. Brookdale students: Free.
XWWTS 217
As American forces approach Germany near the end of World War II, it becomes crucial for them to get an idea of the Germans' capacity to resist. In order to do that, they recruit spies from among German POWs, train them and send them into Germany to gather information. Performances are top notch, notably Oskar Werner as a young German soldier code-named Happy who volunteers to return as a spy, and especially Hans Christian Blech as Happy's tough, opportunistic, and not entirely trustworthy partner. There are many nail-biting moments, notably one aboard a train when Happy and his partner come under scrutiny by a suspicious Gestapo agent. Gary Merrill stars as a tough American officer in charge of the operation and Richard Basehart as an American agent sent in to accompany the two German spies. An excellent film and one to put on your must-see list.
THE DAY OF THE KAMIKAZI
WITH COMMENTARY BY FILM AUTHORITY - NEIL O’CONNOR
Tues, April 20, 7pm, TW 1, Warner Student Life Center
Fee and Code: $5 per person. Brookdale students: Free.
XWWTS 218
The extraordinary and compelling story of the world's first suicide bombers. The kamikazes were Japanese pilots who made the ultimate sacrifice by piloting a new and incomprehensible weapon of war on a final mission that would result in certain death. Their mission - to dive and crash planes into enemy ships. Nearly 65 years ago to date, with the Second World War entering its final stages, Japan faced utter ruin and total defeat. As the Allies crept ever closer to the Japanese mainland, a Japanese High Command under increasing pressure to stave off unconditional surrender sought desperate measures. Surviving kamikaze pilots and the families of those who died reveal how military leaders, Japan's increasingly grave situation, and their country's proud history each played a part in persuading men to sign up for certain death.
BATTLE HYMN
Tues, May 11, 7pm, SLC 208, Warner Student Life Center
Fee and Code: $5 per person. Brookdale students: Free.
XWWTS 219
This film tells the true story of Dean Hess, a WW II pilot who enters the ministry to atone for bombing a German orphanage during the war then decides he is a failure at preaching. He rejoins the US Air Force at the start of the Korean War to train pilots and when in Korea, he finds Korean orphans raiding the airbase garbage. With a pretty Korean teacher, he sets up an orphanage for them and others but finds that to protect his charges, he has to kill. Actor Rock Hudson does a fine job as the selfless Hess in this factual saga that is so incredible it often seems like the stuff from which fictional scripts are made. Hess, however, functioned as the film’s tech advisor thereby assuring its authenticity. An engrossing film one should see, particularly on the anniversary of the start of the Korean War in 1950.
*Fee is not an admissions charge. The fee covers the costs of promoting the program and refreshments.
TO REGISTER, CALL 732 224 2315