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Killin' Generals: The Making of The Dirty Dozen, the Most Iconic WW II Movie of All Time
An explosive inside look at The Dirty Dozen , the star-studded war film that broke the rules, shocked the critics, thrilled audiences, and became an all-time classic . . .
The year was 1967. A cinematic blockbuster exploded across American popular culture. The Dirty Dozen didn’t just reinvent the “men on a mission” war story, it blew the genre to pieces. Like its ragtag team of misfits, it defied authority, mocked the military, and still managed to deliver action, adventure, and no-holds-barred Nazi-killing. It also received four Oscar nominations, launched the careers of many Hollywood legends, and inspired generations of filmmakers like Sam Peckinpah, Quentin Tarantino, and James Gunn.
Based on exclusive interviews with the surviving cast and crew, friends and families of the stars, and other Hollywood insiders, Killing Generals is a riveting must-read for film buffs, military fans, and anyone who loves a down-and-dirty adventure tale. Detailed, insightful, and gossipy, Epstein’s homage spotlights the movie’s endless barrage of cinematic gold.
During a time when America was reeling from turmoil, Hollywood held an indelible mirror up to a changing society. Films like Bonnie and Clyde , The Graduate , Cool Hand Luke , and In the Heat of the Night would define the era. But it was a gritty, violent, darkly comic World War II movie called The Dirty Dozen that would really strike a chord with audiences—and become the year’s biggest box office success. Heading up the all-star cast were Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, John Cassavettes, Charles Bronson, Donald Sutherland, Jim Brown, Robert Ryan, Clint Walker, and at his most terrifying best, Telly Savalas, propelling many of them to stardom.
The year was 1967. A cinematic blockbuster exploded across American popular culture. The Dirty Dozen didn’t just reinvent the “men on a mission” war story, it blew the genre to pieces. Like its ragtag team of misfits, it defied authority, mocked the military, and still managed to deliver action, adventure, and no-holds-barred Nazi-killing. It also received four Oscar nominations, launched the careers of many Hollywood legends, and inspired generations of filmmakers like Sam Peckinpah, Quentin Tarantino, and James Gunn.
Based on exclusive interviews with the surviving cast and crew, friends and families of the stars, and other Hollywood insiders, Killing Generals is a riveting must-read for film buffs, military fans, and anyone who loves a down-and-dirty adventure tale. Detailed, insightful, and gossipy, Epstein’s homage spotlights the movie’s endless barrage of cinematic gold.
During a time when America was reeling from turmoil, Hollywood held an indelible mirror up to a changing society. Films like Bonnie and Clyde , The Graduate , Cool Hand Luke , and In the Heat of the Night would define the era. But it was a gritty, violent, darkly comic World War II movie called The Dirty Dozen that would really strike a chord with audiences—and become the year’s biggest box office success. Heading up the all-star cast were Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, John Cassavettes, Charles Bronson, Donald Sutherland, Jim Brown, Robert Ryan, Clint Walker, and at his most terrifying best, Telly Savalas, propelling many of them to stardom.
256 pages, Hardcover
Published April 25, 2023
About the author
Dwayne Epstein
18 books17 followersDwayne Epstein is the author of a number of young adult biographies, covering such celebrity personalities as Adam Sandler, Will Ferrell, Hilary Swank, Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton, and Denzel Washington for Lucent Books' "People in the News" series.
Epstein also contributed to Bill Krohn's bestselling books "Hitchcock at Work" and "Joe Dante and the Gremlins of Hollywood."
Prior to writing biographies, Epstein contributed to film chronicles on a regular basis. He wrote for Filmfax Magazine on subjects such as Bobby Darin, the Rat Pack, television pioneer Steve Allen, film director Sam Fuller, comic book artist Neal Adams, "Invasion of the Body Snatcher's" Kevin McCarthy, John Belushi, and comedy legend Sid Caesar.
Epstein later contributed to Cahiers Du Cinema's "Serious Pleasures" which had a high profile in Europe. He wrote on American films chosen for rediscovery by directors Oliver Stone, Francis Ford Coppola, Woody Allen, and Clint Eastwood.
His N.Y. Times bestselling biography, "Lee Marvin: Point Blank," will soon be followed by 'Killin' Generals: The Making of The Dirty Dozen, The Most Iconic World War II Film of All Time," to be published on April 25, 2023, by Citadel Press.
Epstein also contributed to Bill Krohn's bestselling books "Hitchcock at Work" and "Joe Dante and the Gremlins of Hollywood."
Prior to writing biographies, Epstein contributed to film chronicles on a regular basis. He wrote for Filmfax Magazine on subjects such as Bobby Darin, the Rat Pack, television pioneer Steve Allen, film director Sam Fuller, comic book artist Neal Adams, "Invasion of the Body Snatcher's" Kevin McCarthy, John Belushi, and comedy legend Sid Caesar.
Epstein later contributed to Cahiers Du Cinema's "Serious Pleasures" which had a high profile in Europe. He wrote on American films chosen for rediscovery by directors Oliver Stone, Francis Ford Coppola, Woody Allen, and Clint Eastwood.
His N.Y. Times bestselling biography, "Lee Marvin: Point Blank," will soon be followed by 'Killin' Generals: The Making of The Dirty Dozen, The Most Iconic World War II Film of All Time," to be published on April 25, 2023, by Citadel Press.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 28, 2023
I’ve probably watched The Dirty Dozen at least several times and I never realized the time and effort it took to create and produce such a classic.
The novel is slow in at least the first 21% of the book. It’s basically a rehashing of the movie, but it is an integral part of the narrative. I thought that I would have appreciated the novel a lot more if I re-watched the move first. However, now that I’ve read the book, I’m looking forward to watching the movie with an enlightened perspective.
Once I got past the 21% point, the novel just took off. It got so much more interesting. Especially the selection process, the history, and status of the actors featured in the movie. I didn’t realize that there was so much drama behind the scenes and that the movie was over budget, and past it’s timeline to production. Little did I know that Lee Marvin was awarded the purple heart and that as a result of PTSD (a term unknown at that time,) Lee suffered from chronic alcoholism. And who would have thought that Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas, and Donald Sutherland got their iconic careers by way of The Dirty Dozen movie?
Watch the movie, read the book, and I’m sure you’ll be just as impressed as I was. Five amazing stars.
I received a digital ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
The novel is slow in at least the first 21% of the book. It’s basically a rehashing of the movie, but it is an integral part of the narrative. I thought that I would have appreciated the novel a lot more if I re-watched the move first. However, now that I’ve read the book, I’m looking forward to watching the movie with an enlightened perspective.
Once I got past the 21% point, the novel just took off. It got so much more interesting. Especially the selection process, the history, and status of the actors featured in the movie. I didn’t realize that there was so much drama behind the scenes and that the movie was over budget, and past it’s timeline to production. Little did I know that Lee Marvin was awarded the purple heart and that as a result of PTSD (a term unknown at that time,) Lee suffered from chronic alcoholism. And who would have thought that Charles Bronson, Telly Savalas, and Donald Sutherland got their iconic careers by way of The Dirty Dozen movie?
Watch the movie, read the book, and I’m sure you’ll be just as impressed as I was. Five amazing stars.
I received a digital ARC from Kensington Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.
October 14, 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which charts the history of the movie from the writing of the initial novel and on through the sequel films that followed decades later. The movie is chock-full of great personal and production details about the writers, producer, studio executives, actors, and especially star Lee Marvin, who Epstein previously wrote about in biographical book Lee Marvin: Point Blank. Epstein builds his book on his own interviews, but also upon previously published material gleaned from newspapers, actor biographies, and the like. The only drawback to the book are the lengthy, overly-detailed synopses of the novel and each draft of the script, Frankly, I skimmed most of the synopses, though I might go back to re-read those portions of the book if I ever re-watch the movie. I heartily recommend this book to anyone who is interested in film-making, regardless of whether you’ve seen the movie or not.
August 17, 2023
When you approach a book written about a single film, especially a film book about one of your favorites, the value of the book is in how much you learn that you didn’t already know. In the case of “Killing Generals: The Making of The Dirty Dozen, The Most Iconic WWII Movie of All Time”, the answer is “a boatload”!
The connection to legendary auteur Russ Meyer! The possibility that it might have been directed by Sam Peckinpah! (as well as the ways that the careers of Peckinpah, Robert Aldrich, and Lee Marvin’s kept circling back to each other). The real reason Trini Lopez “bailed” (pun intended). It’s all here. The launching of some careers, and the twilight of others. The only non-surprise was that Charles Bronson was an insufferable grouch.
Epstein deftly follows the story of the Dirty Dozen from its beginnings, to the writing of the novel, to the film, and, mercifully briefly, to TV sequels. Just as in his excellent biography of Lee Marvin, Epstein’s style is lean, comprehensive, and to the point, as befits its subject undeniably one of the greatest action films of all time. You don’t just read the book, you jump into it, feet first. He also places the Dirty Dozen in the context of the anarchistic 60’s, a perspective that I hadn’t heard or though of before, but definitely fits.
Highly recommended!
The connection to legendary auteur Russ Meyer! The possibility that it might have been directed by Sam Peckinpah! (as well as the ways that the careers of Peckinpah, Robert Aldrich, and Lee Marvin’s kept circling back to each other). The real reason Trini Lopez “bailed” (pun intended). It’s all here. The launching of some careers, and the twilight of others. The only non-surprise was that Charles Bronson was an insufferable grouch.
Epstein deftly follows the story of the Dirty Dozen from its beginnings, to the writing of the novel, to the film, and, mercifully briefly, to TV sequels. Just as in his excellent biography of Lee Marvin, Epstein’s style is lean, comprehensive, and to the point, as befits its subject undeniably one of the greatest action films of all time. You don’t just read the book, you jump into it, feet first. He also places the Dirty Dozen in the context of the anarchistic 60’s, a perspective that I hadn’t heard or though of before, but definitely fits.
Highly recommended!
Read
May 5, 2023From an offhanded comment that spurred the author to want to create a nonfiction book about the prisoners who was sent behind enemy lines but because he couldn’t find enough validated information he decided to make it a fiction book added some flair got past all the naysayers to create the book and eventually the movie The Dirty Dozen. After a short bio on the author we get to hear all about the creation of a great story and many young boys favorite movies I know it was certainly my dad‘s favorite movie and many others. This is a great colorful entertaining book and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
May 27, 2023
An excellent and superbly researched account of the making of a great movie. It includes an account of the writing of the original novel and a detailed plot summary of that novel, which helps us better appreciate changes made in the script-writing process.
From there, the book tells us about the script-writing process, casting, and production. There's a lot of fascinating details and anecdotes about cast, crew and the film-making process. The author's prose is clear and the information is organized intelligently.
Perhaps the best indication of the quality of this book is that, upon finishing it, I immediately wanted to watch the film again. It was already a favorite of mine, but I was able to watch it with renewed appreciation.
From there, the book tells us about the script-writing process, casting, and production. There's a lot of fascinating details and anecdotes about cast, crew and the film-making process. The author's prose is clear and the information is organized intelligently.
Perhaps the best indication of the quality of this book is that, upon finishing it, I immediately wanted to watch the film again. It was already a favorite of mine, but I was able to watch it with renewed appreciation.
April 28, 2023
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Killin’ Generals: The Making of the Dirty Dozen, the Most Iconic WW II Movie of All Time by Dwayne Epstein takes a look at the World War II film The Dirty Dozen, from writing the book to its big screen adaptation. Mr. Epstein is a published biographer, and journalist.
Accidentally, or not so accidentally based on whatever privacy policies I was inclined to agree to, I saw this book just as I was started to watch The Dirty Dozen on one of my already-too-many streaming services. I have always enjoyed this movie, but saw it many years ago and it was nice to get a fresh perspective on this classic.
I didn’t realize how many actors evidently were propelled to fame by this movie. From Jim Brown and Charles Bronson, whose line “killing generals could get to be a habit with me” gave the book its title, to Donald Sutherland and, of course, Telly Savalas in all his bald Greek glory.
Killin’ Generals by Dwayne Epstein uses interviews, documents, and gossip to bring forth a complete story of this classic. The author also gives context to the success of the movie, by analyzing the environment in which it was released. America was in the midst of civil right protests, the Vietnam War, and other social issues. At the time Hollywood wasn’t afraid to hold a mirror up to the audiences, who certainly weren’t afraid to look.
I also never realized the impact The Dirty Dozen had on pop-culture. The movie was both a critical and commercial success, delivering superb acting, action, defying authority, mocking the military, all while killing Nazis galore. The picture was a template to other directors, and stories, which are with us to this day.
The author also tells of the dynamic relationships between the actors, the crew, and the writers. Lee Marvin, already an alcoholic was the consummate professional. Ironically, the other “big star” was popular singer Trini López, who attempted to “pull his weight” and his character was promptly killed off, and his career dwindled off. I also enjoyed seeing some of my favorite actors, Richard Jaeckel, Ernest Borgnine, George Kennedy, and Robert Ryan among others.
I certainly enjoyed reading this book very much, as a fan of the movie and as fan movie making. The author goes into great detail re-telling the story of the novel by E. M. Nathanson , and the changes that were made to the motion picture, as well as behind the scenes anecdotes which I especially appreciate.
Killin’ Generals: The Making of the Dirty Dozen, the Most Iconic WW II Movie of All Time by Dwayne Epstein takes a look at the World War II film The Dirty Dozen, from writing the book to its big screen adaptation. Mr. Epstein is a published biographer, and journalist.
Accidentally, or not so accidentally based on whatever privacy policies I was inclined to agree to, I saw this book just as I was started to watch The Dirty Dozen on one of my already-too-many streaming services. I have always enjoyed this movie, but saw it many years ago and it was nice to get a fresh perspective on this classic.
I didn’t realize how many actors evidently were propelled to fame by this movie. From Jim Brown and Charles Bronson, whose line “killing generals could get to be a habit with me” gave the book its title, to Donald Sutherland and, of course, Telly Savalas in all his bald Greek glory.
Killin’ Generals by Dwayne Epstein uses interviews, documents, and gossip to bring forth a complete story of this classic. The author also gives context to the success of the movie, by analyzing the environment in which it was released. America was in the midst of civil right protests, the Vietnam War, and other social issues. At the time Hollywood wasn’t afraid to hold a mirror up to the audiences, who certainly weren’t afraid to look.
I also never realized the impact The Dirty Dozen had on pop-culture. The movie was both a critical and commercial success, delivering superb acting, action, defying authority, mocking the military, all while killing Nazis galore. The picture was a template to other directors, and stories, which are with us to this day.
The author also tells of the dynamic relationships between the actors, the crew, and the writers. Lee Marvin, already an alcoholic was the consummate professional. Ironically, the other “big star” was popular singer Trini López, who attempted to “pull his weight” and his character was promptly killed off, and his career dwindled off. I also enjoyed seeing some of my favorite actors, Richard Jaeckel, Ernest Borgnine, George Kennedy, and Robert Ryan among others.
I certainly enjoyed reading this book very much, as a fan of the movie and as fan movie making. The author goes into great detail re-telling the story of the novel by E. M. Nathanson , and the changes that were made to the motion picture, as well as behind the scenes anecdotes which I especially appreciate.
October 7, 2023
I’ve been a fan of the film THE DIRTY DOZEN since it was released in 1967—and of the actors who played the main roles in the film: Lee Marvin, Charles Bronson, Jim Brown, John Cassavetes, Richard Jaeckel, George Kennedy, Ernest Borgnine, Telly Savalas, Donald Sutherland, and Clint Walker. Dwayne Epstein’s book about the making of that classic war movie is fascinating and amazingly well researched. Indeed, I think it’s an instant classic in itself in the realm of behind the scenes books about movies. I had not read the 1965 novel by E. M. Nathanson the movie was adapted from, but I’ve always been curious about it. So, Epstein’s overview of the novel and how various aspects of it were changed in the film sparked my interest right from the start. He follows that with equally interesting accounts of how Robert Aldrich became the director and how he chose the actors. He provides excellent, insightful biographical info about each cast member. He also provides in-depth descriptions of how different parts of the film were made, the reception the film received from critics and audiences, how it both affected—and reflected—popular culture in the late ‘60s, and had lasting impacts on war movies and TV shows in the decades that followed. The discussion of whether THE DIRTY DOZEN was really an anti-war film or a glorification of war is another especially interesting aspect. After I read the book, I rewatched the movie for the first time in many years. What I learned from the book made watching it a whole new, eye-opening experience. I “read it” by listening to the Audible edition narrated by Stephen Bowlby and thought he did an excellent job. KILLIN' GENERALS has received many well-deserved 5-star reviews. I’ll add mine to those. I highly recommend it.
March 28, 2023
A whopper of a walkthrough from start to finish that joyously celebrates the best things about the film's legacy while also remaining illuminating at nearly every page turn.
A big chunk of the first half might seem a touch like filler--there's a play-by-play of the book and then the differences in the film--but I imagine there's major value there for anyone desiring to nerd out on the details.
It's loaded to the max with interesting anecdotes, many of which are certain to re-contextualize the way you see the film. There's some snippets of thematic elements and translation of what both the book and movie stand for amongst specific conversations about crossroads that the production had to maneuver in order to become the success that it was (and remains).
As if just the history of the book and film weren't enough, Epstein does a great job of letting the reader know how the film changed the trajectory of its cast and crew. It's always fascinating to me what choices get actors from one project to the next (especially in this era), and, while most know of the TDD, it's been a recipient of respect for so long that it's kind of easy to just let it collect dust in the corner. Epstein is about to cause a whole lot of people to experience it, whether it's the first time or not. You certainly feel that impetus to pop it on as soon as you're done, and I think that's a testament to how wonderful of a work this is.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Citadel for the advance read.
A big chunk of the first half might seem a touch like filler--there's a play-by-play of the book and then the differences in the film--but I imagine there's major value there for anyone desiring to nerd out on the details.
It's loaded to the max with interesting anecdotes, many of which are certain to re-contextualize the way you see the film. There's some snippets of thematic elements and translation of what both the book and movie stand for amongst specific conversations about crossroads that the production had to maneuver in order to become the success that it was (and remains).
As if just the history of the book and film weren't enough, Epstein does a great job of letting the reader know how the film changed the trajectory of its cast and crew. It's always fascinating to me what choices get actors from one project to the next (especially in this era), and, while most know of the TDD, it's been a recipient of respect for so long that it's kind of easy to just let it collect dust in the corner. Epstein is about to cause a whole lot of people to experience it, whether it's the first time or not. You certainly feel that impetus to pop it on as soon as you're done, and I think that's a testament to how wonderful of a work this is.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Citadel for the advance read.
May 21, 2023
(Audiobook) Interesting that I would read this and not a couple of days later, Jim Brown would pass away. This work is an oral history behind of the top action movies of the 1960s. It would set the standard for all-male action flick (from Predator to the Expendables series). A lot of interesting backstory about the movies, its production and aftermath. Don't know if it rates higher than the commentary on DVD extras or things of that like. Kind of a major negative by recapping the entire plot of the book, thus depressing anyone's desire to read the actual book to figure out how it really went and compare with the movie. Still, worth a listen for a fan of the movie. Still, do watch the movie if you are into action flicks. Sure, there are questionable morals, but it did define much of the modern action movie.
September 5, 2023
The subtitle for this book is “The Most Iconic WW II Movie of All Time,” and I suppose that’s true or was true at the time it came out (1967). Author Epstein does a fine job on covering the making of the film (his recap of the original novel by E. M. Nathanson is a bit tedious, though), and all the personalities involved. He’s honest and forthright about Lee Marvin’s drinking, Charles Bronson’s surliness, and director Robert Aldrich’s skills in wrangling his dozen actors (plus the ancillary players like Ernest Borgnine, Richard Jaeckel, and Robert Ryan). To be honest, I rewatched the movie while reading this, and it’s a bit of a mess, but I do fondly remember seeing it at the Valley Drive-In when It came out—and I was 12 years old. As I’ve said in previous movie-oriented book reviews, I love dishy movie chronicles like this one, and Epstein certainly delivers the dish.
August 14, 2023
Love The Dirty Dozen - its one of the great war films and with its all star cast - they literally do not make films like this anymore. So when I saw this book - I just had to buy it and for the most part its a great read- you get real insights into how the film is made and portraits of the main players - the director Robert Aldrich, Star Lee Marvin but also people who only had a small part to play. That was all good but the parts I did not enjoy were the chapters where it tells you the story of the book and then the screenplay. I was tempted just to skip these, but glad I didn't as these turn out to be important for when you get to the later chapters. On the whole an enjoyable and quick read.
April 28, 2023
For those of us of a certain age, films like The Dirty Dozen, Where Eagles Dare, Kelly's Heroes, The Great Escape, and Von Ryan's Express evoke memories of dusk to dawn marathons at the local drive-in, and repeat viewings on TV through the years. They linger in the mind as great experiences that hold up years later. For that alone, this book is worthwhile, but I must admit there are some disappointments, specifically the author's failure to explain what happened to Clint Walker's character Posey. If you love movies of this ilk, you should read this book.
August 21, 2023
It has been many years since I last saw The Dirty Dozen. I remember a lot about it, but after reading this book, clearly I don’t remember as much as I thought. This book provides an inside look into the making of this iconic movie. It was pretty good, but all references to people and other films are dated. I thought it was ironic that critics thought the film had too much violence and language. It is amazing how things have changed over the past 50 years. The book is pretty good. Not great, but pretty good.
November 27, 2023
I enjoy reading books about the making of films,however I was rather disappointed by this.book,as only about 100 pages were devoted to the actual production.The majority of the book dealt with biographies of the actors and director.
This film is claimed to be.The most iconic world war 2 movie of all time.I bet to differ.Surely The Great Escape or The Dam Busters.Had more claim than the Dirty Dozen.
This film is claimed to be.The most iconic world war 2 movie of all time.I bet to differ.Surely The Great Escape or The Dam Busters.Had more claim than the Dirty Dozen.
May 16, 2023
Interesting - just the right length
Not too long, Not too short. This book wraps it up just before you get sick of it.
Yeah you learn things you didn't know, but you learn things you didn't realize had any connection what so ever to the movie.
...and to think we owe it all to Russ Meyer. (wipes away single tear, salutes enormous breasts)
God Bless America.
Not too long, Not too short. This book wraps it up just before you get sick of it.
Yeah you learn things you didn't know, but you learn things you didn't realize had any connection what so ever to the movie.
...and to think we owe it all to Russ Meyer. (wipes away single tear, salutes enormous breasts)
God Bless America.
May 31, 2023
An extraordinary look inside the filming of one of the most epic World War II movies, and an in-depth look into actor Lee Marvin. Based on tireless research, this is truly a ‘must-read’ for anyone interested in filmography, World War II, the inner cinematography of film-making, and dynamic actors that paved the way during the era of blockbuster movies.
June 20, 2023
This was an interesting read, it was kind of neat reading about the making of the movie The Dirty Dozen. The book gives background from the very beginning as the books author develops and writes the book on through developing and making the movie and finally through to modern days and the influence the movie and book has had on current movies.
I actually won this one in one of the giveaways.
I actually won this one in one of the giveaways.
December 2, 2023
The Dirty Dozen is one of my four favorite movies of all time, so finally getting a definitive book about the making of this classic was like a holy grail. Thankfully, it was written by Dwayne Epstein, whose work and writing style I was already a fan of. This book is definitive, thorough and an entertaining read. The trinity of a great "making of" book.
December 20, 2023
Once again, Dwayne Epstein does it again and hits it out of the park. Like his definitive biography on Lee Marvin, "Killin' Generals" is a must have for fans of cinema, war films, the Golden age of genre movies, and the iconic actors who came together to make The Dirty Dozen. Essential reading for anyone who loves this legendary movie.
May 30, 2024
I really expected to enjoy this book about one of the movies that filled a portion of my childhood. What I found, while informative, was a book that seemed to want to be as gritty as the movie it attempts to salute. It gave a lot of facts, but left me with some wonder as to why I enjoyed the movie, an odd feeling.
September 27, 2024
This is an interesting yet at sometimes brutal book. Not only showing the horrors of war all too graphically in the film "The Dirty Dozen", it also show how Hollywood can ravage the best film stars - a.k.a. Lee Marvin's nasty drinking bouts and such. Also some great insight into the selection of the movie cast. If you have ever watched "The Dirty Dozen" I would highly recommend this book.
May 3, 2023
An entertaining inside look at the people who made the DD and the events of the production. The story is well-told, but the chapter that summarizes the original book plot is overly detailed and reads a bit like a book report.
June 2, 2023
This book belong on a college film class booklist. Mr. Epstein did a detailed research and was very thorough in his writing. I found the book perfect to read before rewatching the movie for the 100th time. Lol
September 18, 2023
Interesting read that focuses on the production of The Dirty Dozen. The author seems to have done a lot of research about the movie, producers and actors involved in the film. Good for those interested in movie history.
November 5, 2023
A systematic and methodical look at The Dirty Dozen, from the idea of a book through the sequels and commercialization. Unfortunately, it lacks the pizzazz and action of the book and movie. Too pedestrian to one of the best action movies of its time. Disappointing.
December 31, 2023
Dwayne’s book is such a page turner that after reading it, I felt I had just started it! If you love this film, you'll love this book! Highly recommend!
My interview with Dwayne is below!
https://youtu.be/Youl9FP9yOY
My interview with Dwayne is below!
https://youtu.be/Youl9FP9yOY
June 14, 2023
Interesting if for nothing more than to find out more about the actors involved.
July 13, 2023
For super fans only. Some good research, but I wouldn't recommend this for more general interest Hollywood film.
July 25, 2023
Great gossipy, behind-the-scenes book about a great 60s kitschy movie. Well done and recommend.
October 14, 2023
Good, quick, and easy read. I’m not a huge fan of the film (I think it’s ok) but, I do like some of the actors in it and the director, so it was interesting to see how they all came to work together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews