warfilmman
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Screaming Eagles - 1956
Long before “Band of Brothers” came this 1956 movie depicting the 101st dropping into Normandy on D-Day. The star - Tom Tryon went on to play another paratrooper (John Wayne's bodyguard) in “The Longest Day”. His disturbed and aggressive character was probably based on Jack Duncan, of Easy Company 502nd PIR, because former Deuce Lt. Bud Rainey was the technical advisor of this film. (The film purports to follow a squad of men from the 502nd PIR through Normandy.)
Tom Tryon's misunderstood character is the most worthwhile aspect of the film. Isn't it interesting that several of the male stars went on to portray cops on TV? Martin Milner in Adam 12, Paul Burke in The Naked City, and Robert Blake in Baretta? Edward G. Robinson Jr. died at an early age and his brother Andy Robinson, was one of the all time favorite screen villains in 'Dirty Harry'.
Screaming Eagles is certainly worth seeing at least once-for hardcore 101st buffs, it is really quite interesting on the first viewing. Real M42 jumpsuits were still available in Hollywood at the time (although they are not reinforced) and details like Deuce helmet stencils and tear open first aid kits were included (although the kits are fake and obviously fabricated, to the trained eye). In all, I would say, try to see it at least once. It does not stand-up to today's standard for war films, but I have seen much worse, it’s similar to the 1958 film “Paratroop Command”. The French village BTW looks nothing like Normandy.
Review by Paul Woodadge, historical information from Mark Bando author of two books on the 101st Airborne, visit his website http://www.101airborneww2.com/
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2/11/2005, 7:54 pm
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TCUNC76
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Re: Screaming Eagles - 1956
Paul I raised this once on the bando site and got a variety of replies to this topic. I recorded this one off tv years ago and while its a bit stiff with typical 1950's war film writting, at least its about D-Day and paratroopers. I think it even has Miss France in it as well. Speaking of actors and actresses, I wonder if anyone knows what ever became of Irina Demick, who as you know was in "The Longest Day"? Her bio on the IMDB says she died in Oct of 2004 in Indiana?
Did a search and could not find any news to verify this. Perhaps one of our French readers will know.
Thanks !
TC
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2/12/2005, 11:03 am
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imjin138
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Re: Screaming Eagles - 1956
I have this film on VHS, i love it, but I was in the 2/502 for 6 years. So i might be showing a bit of favoritism.
I watch every once in awhile. I usually watch it then move on to Battleground
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2/22/2005, 2:54 am
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