Thehibikiew Not even bad in a good way

Matialth Good concept, poorly executed.

Clarissa Mora The tone of this movie is interesting -- the stakes are both dramatic and high, but it's balanced with a lot of fun, tongue and cheek dialogue.

Calum Hutton It's a good bad... and worth a popcorn matinée. While it's easy to lament what could have been...

lordbowler I enjoy watching war films and have seen countless films from the 30s onward to today. While this is not the best of the best, it is also far from the worst of the worst. An above-average war film.This film is a classic Hollywood War Film made during WWII in order to uplift the nation during its darkest days, sell War Bonds, and generate the much needed support for the United States Armed Forces in a time war! To rate this film based on today's standards is to do a disservice to the film and the period. Sure, this film has all of the clichés of a typical 40s Hollywood film. But, you have to understand that this was a way for many in Hollywood who chose not serve or could not serve for various reasons to assist in the war effort. In addition, it does a very good job as portraying the Marines as the best fighters of the US Military forces, no offense intended to the other branches. The Marines are known for hitting the beaches first and leaving last.Wallace Beery does an excellent job telling the story of the tough drill Sergeant who has passed on his skills and knowledge for thirty years waiting for his chance to see combat. He does his job well but wants what every Marine wants, to put his skills to the test.One rarity in Hollywood is the parts of the Filipinos and Japanese fighters are not being portrayed by White Men.In response to the Star-spangled hogwash review by Fred_Rap, I agree with Wholeben that Mr Rap's comments are out of context and unnecessarily harsh.The film was well made and made good use of scenery. While the "green screen" scenes are obvious, the actors deliver their performances well. The weakest part may be the overly friendly competition for the Helen Bailey's affections.The standout performance and reason to see this film is Wallace Beery's portrayal of a Marine who is a Marine regardless of whether he is in uniform. His speech after the Japanese bombing to Colonel Casper was very powerful. In addition the bar brawl against the Merchant Marines was great fun! Sergeant Major William Bailey will not allow anyone to disrespect his Marine Corps! My favorite scene in the film is the final moments with Beery in his Dress Blues sitting with his wife who has stayed behind to help instead of leaving with the other women and children. While she prayed for peace, when war came she stood by her husband and does what she can to help in his "War"!PS: The Japanese soldiers in this film were also portrayed fairly considering when the film was made. There is even a comment made about how smart their officers are in leading their troops. While the Japanese are portrayed as being "sneaky" in using the fishing fleet to prepare for invasion this is entirely understandable considering that the Attack on Pearl Harbor happened only two years prior to the film's release.

bhuvam973 Wallace Beery is a fine, wonderfully rugged actor with a touch of tongue n' cheek hanging around in his lines. He did a marvelous job in this old vintage Hollywood movie. I had not thought of him as a leading man, but by golly he carries it off in fine form. The Marines should be proud! Semper Fi! Oooooorah! The movie with heart & humor. I liked it very much. It just played on AMC on Cable TV. It tells the story of a real war hero who won a medal. It takes place in the Phillipines. It tells a fine tale, the characters are genuine and not too polished. If I am not mistaken, there are real Marines in the parade sequences. Highly recommended for a "good read". It enables me to grok what all those brave and remarkable young and older men did for us in WWII. May God Bless em' and may we always honor their service.

jerome-newberry I was only about 8 years old when I saw this film, I'm 69 now,but I never forgot it. In fact it may have played a part in my joining the Marine corps 10 years later. As I recall the story takes place in the Phillipine islands at the beginning of WW2. Sgt. Baily is a crusty old recently retired Master Sergeant who does his best to repel the invading Jappanese with the help of a Phillipino boy. The scene I remember the best was when US forces were trying to blow up a bridge and kept getting shot as they tried to set the charges. I remember It was filmed in color. I would sure like to see it again but I'm sure it must have been destroyed by time and neglect.

dbot gives a memorable performance. The jungle scene near the end of the movie is one of most moving scenes that I've ever witnessed. This film deserves preservation consideration. And why it's not available on DVD or VHS is a mystery.