For those of you who haven't seen the whole movie, the captain made him promise to keep him alive before they went into battle because he was scared of death.
“This is yours, I think?” “Yes sir, it looks like mine.” I love the nonchalant subtlety of that moment, and Eddie Dolan’s wordless response to the surgeon’s question “You wouldn’t really have shot me, would you?”
As a 20 year veteran, I have served with countless officers, peacetime and in war. Out of all them, I can count with my one hand on how many officers I would give my life to so they might leave. Out of these officers, 3 outstanding leaders I know I can provide the same treatment that James Cann did to his platoon leader in this scene. One became a General, one became a Major and the last one I don't know. Yet, if any of my platoon/company/section CO ask me to save them. An NCO word is bond
I was lucky enough to also have a few really good officers, and of course a few shitty ones. My first CO was old school. He'd have no issues hammering you if needed. But no one but him fucked with his troops. One of my favorite NCO's got commissioned. He was the one to sign me out, and was my final salute of active duty. He was an E-6 when commissioned, and retired as a Major. I'd still walk through hell in July for him.
During this period there were sergeants who are older than their immediate superior officers but will go out of their way to protect the younger officers!
The young captain saved by the sergeant is played by Nicolas Campbell, a Canadian actor who went on to make tons of other great movies. You may recognize him as the lead character and coroner from Da Vinci’s Inquest.
James Caan had a very good role as US 101 Airborne Division Staff Sergeant Eddie Dohun in "A Bridge Too Far" (1977) . He had his best roles in the 1970s. RIP mr. Caan.
The vast majority of soldiers on both sides were just concerned about trying to live, shoot the other guys, and hopefully be victorious. Most soldiers on either side had little to no interest in politics. Remember, most were in their late teens to mid-twenties.
Watched this movie today. I seen this movie when it came out in the theaters. They don't make em like this anymore. What a great movie and a ton of stars in this movie 🎥
A bridge too far is notable in that very few notable details where changed from the actual real life events. This scene, by all accounts, actually happened.
What a scene! I’ve watched it a hundred times. What a movie! Filled with so many stars. James Caan was a monster of an actor. Absolutely loved him! RIP
Ive had people who've said to me "I can't believe you like these kind of movies.", (not exact words but along those lines) referring to war movies in general. My response was always that it's not that I enjoy war movies but that i just love hearing about these individual stories that come out of the backdrop of war. There are so damn many and I always felt it important to hear as many of them as is possible.
between each other, yes. When people experience something traumatic (ie being yelled at constantly, being shot at, seeing death first hand, causing death first hand..) people tend to appreciate and bond with those around them. We are social creatures, by god... peace and love
I remember as a kid they were going to show the movie Rollerball on tv, and all my friends were going to watch it. I dad wouldn't let me, said it was too violent and that was that. I wanted to see that movie more than anything in the world, I'm in my late fifties now and still not allowed. Oh the humanity.
You're welcome. This is definately one of the classic war films of all time. If you're interested in seperating the Hollywood from the history, I highly recommend Bando's website. He's probably the premier WWII 101st ABN historian around today. He's also got a pretty interesting write up on the "Band of Brothers" series (another classic). Personally, I like knowing where the movies take a little creative license from actual history-- and it in no way lessens my enjoyment of the films.
I think this is the first time I heard someone say fuck. I must have been about 8 or 9 years old. Watching this film. This great great film. Made a lasting impression. Fucking hell. What a scene.
We would still do it! if one of my troopers was badly wounded and he had a chance of living..yeah we would politely convince the DOC to look at him. If the doctor happened to be like this colonel..Well..Its just a risk we have to take now won't we?
Comparing my expirences as both a civilian and as a member of the armed forces, I can say because I have not seen such dedication between average people who have not been in the military or not expirenced such life altering expirences.
Naww. If that happened in Iraq the Capt would have been on a plane and in Germany being operated in less time then to took the Sgt to drive him to the Hospital in the jeep
Triage. The doc looked upset when he came out-probably feeling he'd lost another young kid. A head wound like that would almost certainly be fatal by WW2 standards and glancing at the unconscious captain the doc probably figured it'd be useless to operate and take the spot away from someone he felt that he could definitely save. His "son of a bitch!" upon seeing a pupil dilate snapped him into action. Sergeant Dohun being the experienced NCO was probably a good judge on fatal versus non-fatal wounds.
As a medic there are two things in Duhan (movie Dolan) favor. First there is no active triage area. Patients were called "expectant" if saving them took more assets that could have been used on higher survivability injuries! Second, there was no military police screening the area! There's a reason weapons aren't allowed in a hospital setting! You can put a company of infantry around a hospital, but none are allowed inside! As far as killing the Doctor, he promised the Capt. that he "wouldn't die" and he kept his promise. I have not served in combat but I have no doubt the NCO meant it!
The sad thing is that the business world and healthcare have both become like this. You need to literally threaten someone to do their job, or it never gets done.
