Double Feature: Battleground (1949) and The Diary of Anne Frank (1959)

Battleground (1949) - ***1/2

This World War II film, like many others, is loosely based on a true story. Trapped in the snow and surrounded by German troops, a squad from the 101st Airborne Division fought to hold their position until reinforcements arrived. The small unit dwindled, but the outfit had several strong characters, such as Holley (Johnson) and Kinnie (Whitmore), to get them through the rough spots. They refused to surrender to the Germans, and were bombarded for several days. A forgotten little war film, this features recognizable characters, yet the interesting story and a few of the performances make it a rousing piece of cinema from the 1940s. Technically speaking, the film also looks and sounds great, with snow-covered landscapes and battle noises being a major part of it. Is it a must-see? Probably not, but it's an enjoyable film nonetheless. It's easy to see why it was honored at the Academy Awards.

1949 CinSpec Awards

I still have a few films I need to see from this year, but this is a fairly complete ballot. Again, winners are marked (*).

Review: The Set-Up (1949)

"Stoker" (Ryan) has his hands full.

Directed by Robert Wise
Produced by Richard Goldstone
Written by Art Cohn (screenplay); Joseph Moncure March (poem)
Starring Robert Ryan, Audrey Totter, George Tobias, Alan Baxter, and Wallace Ford

Double Feature: Twelve O'Clock High (1949) & Witness for the Prosecution (1957)

Twelve O'Clock High - ****

In this classic World War II drama, Gregory Peck plays General Frank Savage, who is assigned to the 918th Heavy Bombardment Group, after the previous commander becomes unable to lead his troops. This flying outfit specializes in daytime bombing, which was unheard of at the time. When he takes charge of the unit, Savage is a tough leader, and the flyers under his command don't take to his less than genial demeanor. Savage's goal is to get the men working efficiently, pushing them to achieve results in the field and become a more productive outfit. To do this, he will have to win the men over with the help of a crafty officer (Dean Jagger), the ex-commander (Gary Merrill), and the mens' elected representative (Robert Patten). The group slowly improves, but an important final mission could prove disastrous for Savage, as he and his men are tested beyond in the heat of battle.

Review: White Heat (1949)

James Cagney is one guy you don't want to mess with.

Directed by Raoul Walsh
Produced by Louis F. Edelman
Written by Ivan Goff and Ben Roberts (screenplay); Virginia Kellogg (story)
Starring James Cagney, Virginia Mayo, Edmond O'Brien, and Margaret Wycherly