Go Tell the Spartans

The controversial film Go Tell the Spartans appeared shortly after the winding down of the Vietnam War period, when views among many Americans concerning the conflict in southeast Asia remained quite conflicted. The film became one of the first to discuss the issue of the Vietnam War. Burt Lancaster plays Asa Barker in the drama, a tough military adviser who chafes under the pressure of being expected to carry out futile orders from distant, bureaucratic headquarters. The plot concerns a series of tragic failed communications. Other stars include Marc Singer as Captain Alfred Olivet and Craig Wasson as Corporal Courcey.