Expert: Mel - 10/15/2006

Question
I'm trying to find out the name of a film in which I only remember a
specific scene.  I believe it was made in the 40's, it was about US
forces fighting the Japanese (I think in the Phillipines in
Corregidor,but I'm not sure).  The scene I remember took place  in
the jungle with a couple of US soldiers talking to each as they
manned their defensive position.  You can see the fear on their
faces as they listen to the Japanese move about the jungle and hear
the night noises from the jungle.  Any ideas on the name of this
movie?  Thanks for your help.  

Answer
Hello Greg,

I can't be absolutely certain (there were a good number of films made about US soldiers in the Phillipines), but it does sound very much like "BATAAN", made in 1943.

This was one of the better WW2 films, with a story that centred around 13 men who were chosen to blow up a bridge on the Bataan peninsula and keep the Japanese from rebuilding it. They defend heroically against overwhelming forces and are picked off one-by-one.

Made by MGM in black&white, it starred Robert Taylor, Lloyd Nolan, George Murphy, Thomas Mitchell, Robert Walker and Desi Arnaz.


"Back To Bataan" followed in 1945. This one starred John Wayne and Anthony Quinn and told the story of a US Colonel who, after Bataan is cut off by the Japanese, organises the resistance and leads a group of Filipino guerrillas to victory and liberation.


There was also a film called "Corregidor" that was made in 1943. This was not such a good production as the other two and is not so well known. It was quite short, only running around 70 minutes.

It starred Otto Kruger and Donald Woods and concerned itself with a doctor and his staff in a hospital on the island of Corregidor shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. They try to treat the sick, injured and wounded as American and Filipino troops desperately try to beat back a ferocious Japanese attack.


As I said at the start, I can't be certain, but I would think "Bataan" is your best bet. It had several jungle scenes like the one you mention.


Glad to be of help. Cheers......Mel.