5/10
Who is doing the screaming? The actors or the audience?
23 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Producers: Samuel Bischoff, David Diamond. Copyright 1956 by Allied Artists. No New York opening. U.S. release: 27 May 1956. U.K. release through Associated British-Pathé: September 1957 (sic). Australian release through Paramount: 4 December 1959 (sic). 7,310 feet. 82 minutes. Cut to 68 minutes in Australia in order to attract bookings as a supporting feature in suburban and rural cinemas.

SYNOPSIS: "The Screaming Eagles", a platoon of battle-scarred soldiers, acquires a surly new recruit who saves the life of the lieutenant, who has been blinded in action. The two make their way to a German-held farmhouse, where...

COMMENT: Despite the promising lure of its title, this turns out as a distinctly mediocre war picture, — thanks to little action, a bit of stock footage, and a whole bash of dreadfully routine dialogue. The script's characters are a tepid lot and no attempt is made to flesh them out. In fact, there are only two worthwhile performances: Jan Merlin as the boyish, personable lieutenant, and newcomer Jacqueline Beer. The direction is reasonably smooth, but dull and uninteresting.

OTHER VIEWS: The familiar situation of the mixed-up outsider regenerated by the comradeship of battle, is here given a second- rate adventure story treatment. With ham-heroic acting and indifferent technique, it presents but a slight tribute to the 101st Airborne Infantry Division. — Monthly Film Bulletin.
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