Non c'è posto per i vigliacchi

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!

This is a rather bland remake of the story of Sgt. John Basilone, the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor in WWII. It strays too far from the real story to be an actual biopic, yet steals so much from Basilone's story that the filmmakers should be ashamed of themselves for misappropriating his heroism for the sake of a tacky made-for-TV movie. People not familiar with John Basilone probably won't understand just how cheesy and tasteless this film is, but those who are familiar with their WWII history likely won't appreciate this effort. If the film had taken a different approach, it might have made a decent movie, but as is, it's a tawdry joke.

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.

It is 1942 Guadalcanal. The Marines are stranded with limited support and pounded by the Japanese. Sergeant "Shanghai" Jack Conell (Chad Everett) is the sole survivor of a Japanese attack and is rewarded with the Medal of Honor. Instead of going back into the fight, he is sent off on a tour around the country to sell War Bonds. He falls for Peggy Sandford (Marilyn Devin) who lost her previous beau to the war. He marries her, but she makes him promise not to go back into the war. He trains new recruits at Camp Pendleton. After his friend is killed, the war calls him.

First to Fight is a phrase describing the Marines' tendency to be the first ground forces entering the fight. For me, it is most compelling for Gene Hackman before his star making turn in Bonnie and Clyde. He's also a former Marine. The movie deals with a lot of personal struggle and goes through a lot of story in ninety minutes. This is an old fashion war film, but some subject matter is rather modern.

A B-Movie at best, but when you're in it changes everything. M1 rifles on Guadalcanal? Japanese soldiers with rubber bayonets. Several modern day vehicles in the background at various points. But hey! It did honor a real life Marine hero.. Manila John Basilone.

In August 1966, I was 19 years old, had just graduated Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego and had relocated to Camp Pendleton for Infantry Training Regiment.

Reveille went 30 minutes early for us one day... 0500 instead of 0530. Once we were in formation, we were double-timed (shuffle run) 5 miles to a location none of us had ever been to before. It was the location of the current day's shooting of The First to Fight.

In one scene, they took two of our platoons and put us behind a platoon of actors on the side of a hill with a path running down it. When they yelled action, the actors were to run down the path and turn left. We were to run down the path and turn right. As we waited, one of the film's crew came up through the platoon of actors spraying water on them that was supposed to make them look sweaty. After he finished when them he came to us, took one look and said I don't think you fellas need this. Having run 5 miles to get to the "lot" he was right. Unfortunately, that scene was left on the cutting room floor.

The scene we were in that made the final cut occurs about 50 or so minutes into the film. Chad Everett is mad as his men for not picking up on instruction and is berating them. Our 4 platoon company is marching around in rectangles in the background making it appear there were a lot more Marines present than were actually present.

I've always wanted to ask Gene Hackman if he remembers the movie we made together. I'm sure that would draw a quizzical look. He'd certainly have no idea who I was... but it's one of my favorite memories and favorite stories to tell... but a pretty crappy movie when you get right down to it.