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johnrfinch
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Panic in Year Zero! (1962)
Timely film release considering OCT '62 Cuban Missile Crisis just 100 days later
Others have covered the plot well. I think this now sixty-one year old B film, that was completed in just three weeks in February 1962 for a reportedly $225,000 and then released on July 4th 1962 has in its way, stood the test of time. Many of we baby boomers likely remember seeing it back in the sixties and maybe even since. Considering the uncertain times we live in now with the threat of WW III over the Russo-Ukrainian War or Taiwan, I still think many American could benefit from these 91 minutes of Cold War era perceptions about what might happen if America was nuked. Milland's actions as the father responsible for his family's survival makes many questionable decisions. He kills two hoodlums / rapists and his son wounds a third. A brutalized girl the family rescues later kills the hoodlum wounded earlier who became a murderer / rapist. Where do the family members derive the capability to do these acts? Was the father play by Milland a military veteran of WW II or Korea? It is not explained but his actions would be understood by a law enforcement or military veterans IMO. The question this film leaves the viewer with I think is this: Could I do what this family does to survive a possible future nuclear war that strikes America and maintain my morality? Sixty one years later, the impact of this film lingers around that question in my view. Could the average American family perform as the Baldwin's did in this film, or would too many descend into the societal chaos and be unable to someday rejoin civilization in a post-TEOTWAWKI scenario? You might ponder that as current events unfold if you get a chance to watch this minor classic again via YouTube or Amazon; so maybe we can avoid Harry's lament of "I looked for the worst in people and found it in myself."... Powerful moments in this minor film classic of the Cold War era and better than most and I have seen quite a few since the 50's.
Combat!: Anatomy of a Patrol (1963)
One of the top three "Combat" episodes IMO
IIRC, the show's best directors was fortunately the director for this episode and it showed. He included a Wehrmacht light machine gun and a rare German semi-auto rifle for the German squad. Viewers will likely notice that both sides travel "light" meaning little extra field gear, like filled ammunition pouches etc. The Germans do have one soldier carrying two boxes of MG ammunition but if you look closely all the soldiers have little on their leather or web belts. Vic Morrow reportedly disliked the weight of his Thompson M1928A1 SMG and carried a lightweight replica whenever he could. James Caan's 9mm MP-40 SMG fires long bursts while Saunders usually can't get more than three or four rounds from his TSMG because of the barrel constrictor to allow the bolt to function with blanks. The real recce P-38 (historically an F-4 or F-5) has incorrect US markings for a 1944 episode. The camera was in a fake position and not even close to what a recce plane carried...as the aircraft still had the MG openings in the nose. These and other minor "errors" do not really detract IMO from this great episode but they could have been corrected IMO to a better degree. But schedules and budgets usually win out over accuracy. Nice use of US and German grenades in this episode too, especially in the heavy vegetation which to me was very effective for this episode. The ending with Saunders and Kirby seemed very realistic to me. I hope the above adds to your enjoyment of this special tactically superior episode of "Combat" from 1963.
The Reliant (2019)
Makes you think... not always agree, but makes you think "What would I do/"
I could not see "The Reliant" in a theater in October so waited for the DVD from Amazon on 03 December. Just finished watching it, including the 'special features" comments by those involved with the film. I had previously viewed all the trailers on the Internet.
Question: Could the US Dollar collapse? I think if you're honest with yourself and current events reporting, your answer would be it is possible.
Question: If you believe in God, and the Bible, can you kill, not murder, but can you kill a fellow human being, given the legal circumstances? Your answer, will heavily influence your view on this film IMO.
I read the novel before seeing the DVD, and although the film differs in places from the novel, I think the novel helps to understand some important scenes that otherwise would likely be overlooked by film viewers.
Couple this with the fact that main known actors Sorbo and Bosworth are Executive Producers and you can see where some corners were cut due to budget priorities /challenges during the actual filming. I think if the director had more money, some of the film's shortcomings could have been overcome. An example is the re-appearance of the family's mother near the end of the film. Last we had seen of her, her prospects for survival were not good. Her survival from that peril was not adequately explained.
Also, the film depicts a period of at least forty plus days of survival in the wild with few instances of acquiring supplies / weapons to aid the survivors. IMO, everyone would have looked much the worse for wear then they did in this movie. Beards and hair for the men, coupled with issues for the women, like no makeup. Plus some serious body weight loss etc. This oversight was not just a budget shortcoming issue IMO.
If you are against the Second Amendment, be aware, that the main female lead is also portrayed as against the use of firearms. The reason is explained late in the film, yet, by my count almost all the older family survivors, including the female lead, eventually make the decision to fire a weapon and kill a lethal human threat. Could / would you? To me that was a central question of this film. If you have faith, believe in God and Christ, could you kill a human being? Also, would you loot to stay alive, to prevent starvation? Where is the line you will not or should not cross? Does that line move? As is there forgiveness when you make a mistake in trying to deal with what some would see as impossible choices?
I think if you ponder the above, maybe read the novel, you will benefit from "The Reliant" in ways those with negative reviews cannot yet see themselves. I pray not, but someday, we may experience the societal chaos depicted in this movie. Those who are prepared, like the Sorbo character, will have a better chance then others. And that includes, those who ponder the deep questions and almost humanly impossible decisions raised by this thought provoking film.
It is my hope, over time, more will see the implications of this film for our society in that light... We may all see soon enough. For now, ponder and remain safe.
Bottom-line? IIRC... the paraphrase is God helps those who help themselves. And also "thou shall not murder" depending on the translation you might prefer. For me, Sorbo's character is the one I can identify with. The meek will inherit the Earth, but in the interim, maintain situational awareness and do not go out on your knees... YMMV, but despite some shortcomings, this was a worthwhile film for me. Thank you to those who persevered and completed it. It is timely and makes many thought provoking scenes for the interested viewer.