Héros sans retour

I watched this film in my early teens and I loved every scene of the film including the signature tune. If I know where I can get a copy of the film I will simply buy it.

I still remember the captain shooting dead one of his soldiers in sympathy to his request "Captain Save Me". Also just consider when after the capture of the rebel leader the group's hope of returning unscathed was shattered when the aircraft sent to take them back was shot down.

The final blow for the captain was on his return with the rebel leader the political circumstances had all changed in favour of the rebel leader and he was no linger a "wanted" rebel but a hero needed to play an key role in the new political system. Most of us the audience felt for the captain considering the fact that among the troop that went after the rebel leader he was the only survivor. He returned with the captured rebel leader and the young boy found in the ruined building.

The scene prior to the soldiers hunt where a dancing woman was hit in the stomach with catapult is still fresh in my mind.

I saw this film in 1962 when I was 14 years old here in the UK, it was shown as a B film, but I enjoyed it but more so I really enjoyed the film soundtrack, suddenly this film became very cool with my contemporaries and the theme tune was re recorded by some UK band and became a hit for several weeks, but the original theme was called Concerto Disperato and was recorded by a brilliant trumpeter called Nino ROSSO, this also became available in The UK from Duram records, since then with the advent of CD I have really struggled to locate this sound track, meanwhile I often wish I could see the film again. The plot as I recall involved The Foreign Legion being tasked to rescue an Algerian and return him in one piece, everything possible happens to the soldiers and a lot is revealed about the main star Stewart GRAINGERs character.

Although I was only Four when I saw this I have never forgotten the premise or the last scenes and I hope to find it and see it again. A wonderful action adventure with believable characters, unlike The Green Berets, which I am sure ripped off the story. Actually, it seems a great irony that the story of Marcia o crepa portrays France's end days of Algerian Colonization realistically, while the Green Berets show America's failure in Viet Nam with such heroically, naive shlock.

Anyone who can tell me where I can find a VHS or DVD please write me.

Thankyou, Flash

Like your other reviewers, I remember this film from my childhood. The Plot was stirring, the plight the soldiers found themselves in was gripping yet desperate, and the music both haunting and memorable.

I can only recall the scenes mentioned by other reviewers, such as the tortured soldier, who's life was ended by a bullet from Granger, with the approval of his comrades in arms, yet none of them would have shown the strength of personality to perform the act.

I only wish that this film was available on DVD or other media to relive again. If anyone knows whether it is due for release, I am sure I will be one of many who would be glad to know.

I have similar memories to other reviewers having seen the film in 1963/64 at the age of 13. What made the biggest impression on me were the opening credits which I recall being genuine footage of street fighting in Algiers which would freeze to display a credit and then move on. All to the sound of Concerto Disperato played, presumably, by Nino Rosso. Concerto Disperato is available on Nini Rosso Greatest Hits CDs. But my advice is to ignore as the Ken Thorne version is far superior a) in terms of trumpet playing and b) arrangement. Especially as Nini Rosso sings (badly) over the middle section. But getting a genuine CD recording has alluded me for years. I have a ripped mp3 (off a 45). The film overall made a big impression but I often wonder whether, if I saw it now, I would be bitterly disappointed. After all, I was only 13 when I saw it.