DVD-"The Bridges at Toko-ri"

[Ralph]

There aren't many good movies about the Korean War. In fact there aren't many at all. That war, which I remember well, was an embarrassment to many Americans. The top general in the Army ignominiously relived of command (but rightfully so), a stalemate, the Cold War fears and then an armistice because no victory was geopolitcally attainable.

On DVD there is a very fine movie, "The Bridges at Toko-ri," starring William Holden and Grace Kelly with an aging Fredric March portraying a carrier task group commander.

Holden is a fighter pilot, Mickey Rooney a rescue chopper crewman. Kelly is wonderful as Holden's wife and their brief R&R in Tokyo is beautifully acted, especially the scene with the Japanese family in the hot water bath.

The movie is a true tribute to the airmen who flew countless missions from flattops to support our often hard pressed soldiers and marines. It should be on the list of everyone who appreciates a good wartime drama that highlights the best qualities of our Navy. Frederic March's last words are as true today as they would have been decades ago.

[Madame]

The movie is a true tribute to the airmen who flew countless missions from flattops to support our often hard pressed soldiers and marines. It should be on the list of everyone who appreciates a good wartime drama that highlights the best qualities of our Navy. Frederic March's last words are as true today as they would have been decades ago.

One of the best films I've ever seen -- March's final words:

"Where do we get such men? They leave this ship and they do their job. Then they must find this speck lost somewhere on the sea. When they find it, they have to land on its pitching deck. Where do we get such men?"- Rear Admiral George Tarrant (Fredric March)

[stenka razin]

Ralph, 'The Bridges At Toko-ri' is an excellent movie. There are not many movies depicting the Korean War, but here are three other excellent ones . Unlike WII or Vietnam which have captured the imaginations of some of our best filmmakers, Korean War movies, especially contemporary ones, are few and far between.

Retreat, Hell (1952)
Directed by Joseph H. Lewis, this movie was filmed while the Korean War was actually still going on. It tells the story of a Marine battalion faced to cross treacherous frozen territory to escape the enemy. Contemporay TV fans may be interested to know the movie stars Russ Tamblyn, father of Joan of Arcadia’s Amber Tamblyn.

MASH (1970)
Though this Robert Altman film (based on the book by Richard Hooker) was noted for addressing the reality of the Vietnam War, it is set during the Korean War. Donald Sutherland, Tom Skerritt, Eliot Gould and Robert Duvall are among the stars. Sally Kellerman was Oscar- nominated as a best supporting actress. The film was also up for best picture and director. Screenwriter Ring Lardner, Jr won for his adaption of the book. The series, of course, spun-off from the film.

Pork Chop Hill (1959)
Lewis Milestone directed this film which stars Gregory Peck as a lieutenant in this war film set in Korea. Peck and others are opposed by Communist Chinese fighting for North Korea. Robert Blake and George Peppard also star (as does Norman Fell, aka Mr. Roper of Three’s Company).

Ralph, what are your opinions of the films I have mentioned above?

[Ralph]

Ralph, 'The Bridges At Toko-ri' is an excellent movie. There are not many movies depicting the Korean War, but here are three other excellent ones . Unlike WII or Vietnam which have captured the imaginations of some of our best filmmakers, Korean War movies, especially contemporary ones, are few and far between.

Retreat, Hell (1952)
Directed by Joseph H. Lewis, this movie was filmed while the Korean War was actually still going on. It tells the story of a Marine battalion faced to cross treacherous frozen territory to escape the enemy. Contemporay TV fans may be interested to know the movie stars Russ Tamblyn, father of Joan of Arcadia’s Amber Tamblyn.

MASH (1970)
Though this Robert Altman film (based on the book by Richard Hooker) was noted for addressing the reality of the Vietnam War, it is set during the Korean War. Donald Sutherland, Tom Skerritt, Eliot Gould and Robert Duvall are among the stars. Sally Kellerman was Oscar- nominated as a best supporting actress. The film was also up for best picture and director. Screenwriter Ring Lardner, Jr won for his adaption of the book. The series, of course, spun-off from the film.

Pork Chop Hill (1959)
Lewis Milestone directed this film which stars Gregory Peck as a lieutenant in this war film set in Korea. Peck and others are opposed by Communist Chinese fighting for North Korea. Robert Blake and George Peppard also star (as does Norman Fell, aka Mr. Roper of Three’s Company).

Ralph, what are your opinions of the films I have mentioned above?

*****

I've seen them and they're all good. "MASH," of course remains a classic and it launched a long running TV show.