Watch Fixed Bayonets!

Fixed Bayonets! is a war drama directed by Samuel Fuller, released in 1951. The movie is based on a novel of the same name by John Brophy and depicts the struggles of American soldiers during the Korean War. The story is set in November 1950, during the early stages of the Korean War. The United States Army is fighting a difficult battle against the Chinese and North Korean forces in the treacherous and snowy mountains. The movie centers around a platoon of soldiers who are ordered to stay behind to cover the retreat of the main American forces.

The platoon is led by Lt. Gibbs (played by Richard Basehart) who is an inexperienced officer, having just been promoted from a non-commissioned officer. The men in his command are a mix of veterans and inexperienced soldiers, all trying to survive in the harsh winter conditions. The platoon's morale is at an all-time low, and they are worn out from months of fighting.

Soon, the platoon's captain is injured, and Lt. Gibbs is left in charge. He is forced to make difficult decisions that affect the survival of his men. Gibbs' leadership is tested as they are tasked with holding off the Chinese army while the rest of the American forces retreat. The Chinese continually try to outflank them and cause chaos by bombarding them with mortars and loudspeakers.

The story has many deep and emotional moments, as the characters struggle to cope with the realities of war. At several moments in the film, the soldiers have to make gut-wrenching sacrifices to survive. In particular, a scene where one soldier is forced to stay behind to cover the retreat of his fellow soldiers is impactful and thought-provoking.

Richard Basehart does an admirable job in portraying Lt. Gibbs, a man struggling with the responsibility of leading his men to safety. The platoon is a diverse group, comprised of men from various backgrounds and walks of life. Gene Evans, known for his tough-guy roles, plays a battle-hardened sergeant who trains Gibbs in the art of leadership.

One particularly interesting aspect of the movie is the behind-the-scenes look at the Korean War. The film was made with the cooperation of the United States Army, and Fuller used real American soldiers as extras in some scenes. This gives the movie an authentic feel and adds to the sense of immediacy and realism.

Fuller's direction is taut, and he keeps the tension high throughout the movie. He doesn't shy away from graphic battle scenes, but he also takes the time to explore the human toll of war. The movie is shot in black and white which adds to its gritty realness, and cinematographer Lucien Ballard captures the cold and harsh environment beautifully.

The movie's score, composed by Roy Webb, is also noteworthy. The slow and somber melody is used to great effect, particularly in scenes of contemplation or impending danger. The score adds to the movie's melancholic tone and helps to emphasize the weight of the events depicted.

Overall, Fixed Bayonets! is an intense and moving war drama. It shows the horrors of war without glamorizing or romanticizing it, and the film's focus on the human cost of war resonates deeply. The characters are relatable and their struggles are portrayed with great sensitivity. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in war movies or in the lasting effects of military conflict on soldiers.

Fixed Bayonets! is a 1951 war movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.