Odyssey

"Odyssey" is a story of survival & escape behind Gerrman lines which outstandingly portrays the human side of friends & enemies.

While providing cover for his squad during a brutal firefight and heavy artillery attack, Sergeant Saunders is injured and awakens in a German field hospital. Noticing he's in a German uniform, Saunders listens to and visually absorbs everything going on around him. It doesn't take long for him to see he's dealing with a miserable orderly (excellently played by Peter Coe) who thinks he's faking injury. The Frenchman who placed him in a German uniform manages to explain the scenario to both Saunders and the German doctor in charge. The Sarge is put on a train along with several American POW's and Orderly Peter Coe. When the time is right, Saunders escapes off the train into the woods with PFC Loring (played by Teno Pollick.)

Screen Writer Anthony Wilson did a fine job with "Odyssey." The plot is very believable and creates a lot of suspense. Within the story I appreciate the human character development both good and evil. Orderly Peter Coe is so convincing you wish they'd have written in a lights out Saunders' right cross to his jaw as part of the escape sequence. The German doctor is a kindly fellow who has a genuine concern for the sick and wounded. Teno Pollick plays a sensitive naïve pacifist to the hilt. Sasha Harden portrays a vicious SS Lieutenant while Bert Freed is excellent as the decent Sergeant Weber who has genuine empathy for people.

The opening sequence is a terrific collusive effort between Director Alan Crosland Jr. and legendary Special Effects Coordinator A. D. Flowers. It's amazing no one was seriously hurt filming this. The archival footage is as good as it gets and even the Fourth of July pales by comparison. All stunt people involved are superb; without them you could not have such a great scene.

The ending sequence is very moving from a humanistic standpoint and reminds the viewer of what a huge tragedy war is.

VIc is wounded and finds himself in a German field hospital, where he's able to impersonate being a shell shocked (unable to speak) German soldier. Plenty of suspense is generated as he teams up with a POW to try to escape from the Germans on a transport train and eventually get back to American lines.

It's an exciting episode that gives Vic a chance to excell without the usual comrades surrounding him. Somewhat farfetched script is carried by Vic's believable performance. And the clash of personalities between "old pro" soldier Vic and the raw recruit POW provides a well-written subplot. There's an interesting change in perspective when Vic is pinned down with a friendly German soldier who is fighting against American troops. Ending the segment with surprising poignancy.

While retreating from a German attack, Saunders is wounded and left behind. He awakens in a German hospital wearing German uniform. Soon he learns that a Frenchman in labor work has changed his uniform since he is seriously wounded. The doctor believes he is shocked soldier and Saunders is embarked in a train back to Germany. Along the trip, Saunders and a POW private succeeds to escape, jumping from the train. They cross the enemy line together expecting to reach the Allied line. Will they succeed?

"Odyssey" is an episode of "Combat!" with the long journey back home of Saunders. The plot is dramatic and shows the human side of the enemy in a stupid war. The conclusion is heartbreaking. My vote is nine.

Title (Brazil): "Odisséia" ("Odyssey")