In the 1960s, producer A. C. Lyles had a terrific track record with making westerns. While few had big budgets or made tons of money, they were very successful and filled a niche. They also usually also rehabilitated the image of otherwise forgotten old-time actors he hired for his 'Geezer westerns' (not my term), such as Richard Arlen, Barry Sullivan, Wendell Corey, John Ireland, Dana Andrews, and Pat O'Brian. These guys were all good actors but older as well...and apart from the Lyles films, they often had trouble finding work. Now I am not saying these are great or must-see films for most viewers, but they are great films for up-and-coming filmmakers to watch in order to see how to economically make a fine movie.
"The Young and the Brave" is a bit of a departure for Lyles, as it's not a western but a war picture. It features one of his favorite leading men, Rory Calhoun in the lead. It also features a past his prime William Bendix...in one of his last films.
Three American soldiers become stranded behind enemy lines during the Korean War and they are wandering about...trying to find their way home. They come upon a boy and his dog who are also lost and the five join forces. But they must evade the enemy and keep that dog quiet in order to have any chance.
At the outset, I saw two problems with the movie. First, the Korean kid is obviously a Hispanic kid...and you wonder why they didn't find an Asian child for the role. Second, while I like Lyles hiring older actors past their prime, William Bendix looked way too old to be a G. I.! Rory Calhoun isn't young but is believable in his role as a sergeant.
So despite these problems is the film any good? Well, there are a few more problems I noticed as the film progressed. For example, they are supposed to be behind enemy lines but when they find a baby pig, they have a cookout. Wouldn't they want to NOT light a fire in such a situation?? Also, the dog keeps barking and barking...and you can't help but wonder why they kept this animal with them if they are trying to sneak back undetected. So, logic isn't a strongpoint in this movie!
Overall, if you ignore the logical errors and poor casting in a couple cases, the film isn't bad...more of an inconsequential time-passer for the most part. There are certainly better Korean War movies, such as "The Steel Helmet" or "Pork Chop Hill".
