Is it true that a homosexual is courting danger when he attempts to seduce a straight guy? Interesting premise, and that is certainly so in this 2-tape movie. Well acted by all concerned and the dialogue is dynamite!!
Comments like "Most of these cadets (poorly disguised West Point cadets) are children of judges back home" straight out depict the truth behind the facade of respectability and equality. Reminders of the cheating scandals at all the military academies are also brought up lest we forget. Despite that, the ending is upbeat and made me strangely proud of my country.
Of course, I'm a sucker for a marching set of uniforms and for some insane reason the equally insane military phrase, "I get paid the same for marching as I do for fighting" came into my mind. The fighting in this movie has to do with character and honor, most importantly the honor of West Point and all national military academies. Paradoxically, the commandant is also interested in preserving that honor, as evil as he is in showing it.
One of the subtleties about honor was brought to our attention as one of the cadets is set up by the evil commandant, played so wonderfully by Mark Twain himself, Hal Holbrook. This cadet does not want to get into trouble and allows himself to be used in the Honor Court against the falsely accused cadet. But when asked the hard questions by Alec Baldwin (in top form), h e painfully answers truthfully.
The twists and turns the plot takes before we know 'who dunnit' are wonderful. And Eddie Albert keeps us guessing as to which side of the good/bad coin he's going to turn up on until the last few minutes. I now own this one, and as proof of its excellence, I can't wait to see it again. Like good literature, the proof of a good movie is that you get more out of it with repeated viewings.
Did you know that if you washed out of the military academies, you were sent to Viet Nam during the 70's? That may have indeed been the case for some, but certainly not a rule.
Comments like "Most of these cadets (poorly disguised West Point cadets) are children of judges back home" straight out depict the truth behind the facade of respectability and equality. Reminders of the cheating scandals at all the military academies are also brought up lest we forget. Despite that, the ending is upbeat and made me strangely proud of my country.
Of course, I'm a sucker for a marching set of uniforms and for some insane reason the equally insane military phrase, "I get paid the same for marching as I do for fighting" came into my mind. The fighting in this movie has to do with character and honor, most importantly the honor of West Point and all national military academies. Paradoxically, the commandant is also interested in preserving that honor, as evil as he is in showing it.
One of the subtleties about honor was brought to our attention as one of the cadets is set up by the evil commandant, played so wonderfully by Mark Twain himself, Hal Holbrook. This cadet does not want to get into trouble and allows himself to be used in the Honor Court against the falsely accused cadet. But when asked the hard questions by Alec Baldwin (in top form), h e painfully answers truthfully.
The twists and turns the plot takes before we know 'who dunnit' are wonderful. And Eddie Albert keeps us guessing as to which side of the good/bad coin he's going to turn up on until the last few minutes. I now own this one, and as proof of its excellence, I can't wait to see it again. Like good literature, the proof of a good movie is that you get more out of it with repeated viewings.
Did you know that if you washed out of the military academies, you were sent to Viet Nam during the 70's? That may have indeed been the case for some, but certainly not a rule.