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Reviews
The Last Blitzkrieg (1959)
Take it in it's context & history
Those with a keen interest in WWII and overall movie history can appreciate this effort. Although there are the "never would happen" situations, such as the officer's rank insignia's on their battlefield helmets being displayed in a nice bright white, the main storyline of German infiltrators into American lines is based in historical fact.
Something that the movie touches on is the fact that many Americans who fought in the war were of German decent and did so while having many relatives who still lived in Germany. It is my guess that this was mentioned in the film due to the fact that the director, Arthur Dreifuss, was born in Germany and moved to the U.S. before the war in 1928. First he worked in the entertainment industry as a dance instructor and then, beginning in 1939, in Hollywood where he made numerous B-level films including the "Boston Blackie" series.
Entertainment historians will appreciate seeing Dick York, who played the original Darren Stevens in the "Bewitched" television series, and Larry Storch, who played Corporal Agarne in the T.V. series "F Troop", in fairly prominent roles playing foot soldiers. Storch's southern accent is especially amusing and those familiar with Storch's Agarne character in F-Troop will see a tinge of it when, upon learning of the prospect of German infiltrators, he exclaims "Don't talk that way - it's disheartening!".
Perfect for a rainy weekend afternoon.
The Damned United (2009)
How Your Own Arrogance and Pride Can Keep You From Being Your Best While You Hurt Those Who Care About and Love You
For me, in addition to the fine writing, acting and directing, "The Damned United" was a movie to cause some self-reflection as I saw myself in the character of Brian Clough. The self pride and arrogance that results from fixating on a particular goal for vengeful purposes which, in my professional life, I have been guilty of myself.
The collateral damage caused to the ones who care about you in those circumstances can be devastating and result in the loss of friendships. Thankfully in the case of Mr. Clough it is eventually a lesson learned but even then comes the rebuilding of bridges.
This movie has become one of my favorites as I was able to apply the moral to my own self in a way that can have a positive result while entertaining me with all the humor, drama, action and emotional passion that is the mark of a solidly good film.
Although I feel that the movie is presented in a manner that provides entertainment to a wide scoping audience, fans of European Soccer as well as fans of competitive sports overall would particularly appreciate this movie.