The Reluctant Heroes

I expected far better than this MASH like crap. I don't speak of the story of course, because it is not a question of a hospital here, but I talk about the overall atmosphere. A light heartened one, that's just the problem with it. The movies made during the late sixties and early seventies were far more pessimistic and dark than this crap. The common war movie with super heroes fighting against evil enemies. with the happy ending. Forget this non sense garbage and Watch CROSS OF IRON instead. don't lose your time with this feature.

I first saw the Reluctant Heroes a couple of years after it was released. The story is about a unit of soldiers in Korea who are trapped behind enemy lines. Their Captain has been killed and the only officer left is a military historian who has no actual combat experience. He reluctantly takes charge and uses a number of interesting tricks learned from his studies to preserve the lives of the squad members and to accomplish their mission.

I would love to see this movie released on DVD or VHS.

In 1969, Ken Berry starred in a made for TV war comedy, "Wake Me When the War is Over". The film has terrible...as well as stole its plot from "Situation Hopeless...But Not Serious". So, in light of this, I was not terribly excited about seeing "The Reluctant Heroes". However, I have recently been watching tons of "ABC Movie of the Week" films on YouTube and it WAS part of this series...so against my better judgment I decided to give it a try. Was this a good idea? Read on...

I gotta say first that this film really surprised me...because it's NOT a comedy...even thought it starred Ken Berry! Instead, it's a reasonably interesting film about a company of soldiers who are stuck behind enemy lines during the Korean War AND their commander is a brand new and totally inexperienced lieutenant (Berry). Despite this, he manages to surprise everyone with his wise guidance and strategy!

So is it any good? Well, it's okay...a decent time-passer and considering everything, I am quite alright with that! The company of men have some of the usual clichés and caricatures...the only reason I didn't rate this one higher. Worth seeing to prove that Ken Berry was NOT necessarily an annoying lightweight!

I watched this when it first aired. I was really surprised. It was about soldiers who were in a desperate situation and to hold their own. It was well done. The cast was spot on. I wish it was a little longer.

I saw this movie once, in 1971. I was 9 years old. I have tried to find this movie, unsuccessfully, to watch again. Now, at age 61, I can still quote a few lines and remember the movie fondly. I would love to find it again.

It has a great cast, engaging story of unlikely heroes. Yes, it's a movie about the Korean Conflict, which was filled with the horrors of war, but the movie manages to be familiar friendly and is punctuated with light humor. It has sadness with being depressing, and humor without being frivolous.

Please, whoever has the rights to this, release it some platforms to watch, rent, or buy.