First to Fight

I've always had a warm spot in my heart for this "B" movie because I watched some of it being made and some scenes were shot immediately in front of the quonset hut in which I lived at that time, at the Second Infantry Training Regiment, San Onofre area, Camp Pendleton, where I was stationed in the training section. It was pretty neat to watch and is the only movie I've ever seen "made" and I had the pleasure of driving Chad Everett and Dean Jagger around in a Jeep for two or three days. (Some other lucky Marine got to drive the heroine!) I got Chad Everett's autograph, but way back then he wasn't as famous as he would be later.

The movie itself is pretty good - but I'm favorably prejudiced toward any USMC movie!

Just watched the video. Chad Everett is in his prime as Jack Connell, a marine officer who has won the Congressional Medal of Honor. This film was made shortly before Viet-Nam exploded into all-out war. a gung-ho tale of a once fearless marine who comes to realize that one's life belongs to themselves as well as those with whom they love. Great acting, realistic action scenes, and an impressive performance by Gene Hackman. Sort of strange how in 1967 Chad Everett was being groomed for"super stardom" and Gene Hackman received 6th billing. Turns out that Hackman would shortly become a mega superstar with Bonnie & Clyde and The French Connection, while Everett's film career was reduced to "B" movies; stardom was his on television however.

I saw this movie as a kid when it first came out in 1967. My father let me use his automobile to go to the local drive in theater to see this movie. I was quite impressed with it as a young lad and join the Marine Corps six months later. This movie has a lot of sentimental value for me. But, I'm a little confused as to why it cost so much at $49.00 and change on VHS. Can anyone give me some insight as to why this movie is so valuable? I want to purchase this movie but not at the current asking price.

Thanks

Claude W. Butler

This film starts during the early stages of World War II with a Marine unit fighting a fierce battle against Japanese forces on Guadalcanal. During the fight, although the rest of his platoon is killed, a young Marine named "Sergeant Jack Connell" (Chad Everett) stands firm and kills many enemy soldiers attacking his position. For his heroism, Sergeant Connell is sent back to the United States, but not before being promoted to lieutenant and receiving the Congressional Medal of Honor. While stateside, he meets a young woman named "Peggy Sandford" (Marilyn Devin), falls in love, and they later marry. However, although he is quite happy with married life, after learning that a close friend has been killed in action, his attitude changes, and things take a drastic turn for the worse. I won't reveal more, but I recall watching this movie when it first came out in the late 1960s, and it remains quite enjoyable today. Admittedly, partly because none of the cast members were considered top-tier during this time, the film has a B-movie feel to it, which is perhaps expected. Nonetheless, it's still a decent movie, and I've rated it accordingly.

After seeing this and being familiar with the series, The Pacific, it seems this is a fictional and weaker version of the real story of Sgt. John Basilone.

Nevertheless, this is a decent film and does convey some of the hell our men went through in the early stage of the war over there.

The Pacific portrayed it all much better.