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Images OB-12 and OB-29 courtesy Derek Dubery |
Objective, Burma!
Further problems ensued when OB was released in the UK shortly after the war. The glorification of the United States' role in the Burma campaign, with no mention of Great Britain's significant contribution, brought such resentment over the film and its star that OBJECTIVE, BURMA! was taken out of circulation; the film was finally released in Great Britain in 1952 with a revised introduction which acknowledged GB's role.
Nelson (Flynn) examines reconnaisance photographs of his team's
drop-off coordinates.
Coming along for the ride is reporter (Henry Hull), who obviously gets more than he bargained for, as the men travel through brush and swamp, dodge enemy processions and disease.
Do they make it? I won't tell, because part of the thing about watching OBJECTIVE, BURMA! for the first time is the suspense of the paratroopers, and how they overcome complications while achieving their directive. There are some moments when you might actually find yourself not breathing.
Capt. Hennessey (Hugh Beaumont) and Major Nelson (Flynn) tend to
a wounded soldier while a reporter (Henry Hull, right) takes notes.
OBJECTIVE: BURMA! is an excellent film. Its low key acting and realistic approach are both impressive and engaging. Much of this is to the credit to director Raoul Walsh and cinematographer James Wong Howe. Franz Waxman (Gentleman Jim) composed a perfect score. I would say the movie's one drawback is the cartoony depiction of Japanese by people who were most definitely not Japanese.
This film is available from MGM/UA, and comes highly recommended by just about anyone who has seen it. In fact, many regard it to be their favourite Flynn wartime movie, some their alltime favourite Flynn film altogether. If war movies aren't your genre, then consider renting it, but don't pass up a chance to see this.
All original contents (writing, graphics) ęD.Davidand may not be used without permission