The Glory Brigade Reviews

Mature stars as a US Army lieutenant of Greek descent who volunteers to lead a regiment of Greek and American troops on a reconnaissance mission into Communist territory during the Korean War. Greek and American tempers flare after the first skirmish with the enemy because the Greek bayonets are free of blood stains, which suggests that the Greeks avoided combat. The crisis mounts as the Americans continue to die in combat while the Greeks remain virtually unscathed. Eventually, Mature learns that Greek soldiers traditionally cleanse their bayonets of blood, and he and the Americans realize that they have been wrong about their comrades all along. Pulling together for the first time, the Greeks and Americans are finally able to cut their losses and accomplish their mission, gaining new respect for each other along the way. This better than average war film benefits from its strong cast (including Lee Marvin in one of his earliest roles), fast pace, and crisp photography by cinematographer Ballard.