John Kettler Posted August 31, 2004 Share Posted August 31, 2004 Because of insomnia, saw "Days of Decision" in the wee hours a few days ago on AMC (American Movie Classics). Stars Gregory Peck and the ravishing Tamara Toumanova. He's a partisan leader of a colorful band of well fleshed out characters, whose hidey hole is the underground portion of a destroyed monastery. She's a love interest, a touring Moscow dancer caught in the hinterland and cut off not just from Moscow but from her accustomed world. Her rival's a female sniper in the partisans. The action is set near Tula, just prior to the Russian winter offensive that saved Moscow, and much of the film is a deep look at the internal dynamics of the partisans; the conflict between their need for action and higher HQ's need to keep the sector quiet until jump off. The Communist angle is certainly there, but so also is the accomodation made by Stalin during wartime with the Russian Orthodox Church. The astronomic stakes of partisan warfare are made painfully evident, too. The studio didn't have the Russian weapons needed, but came up with credible substitutes--Lewis guns for DP LMGs, Mausers? (including a scoped sniper version) instead of Mosin Nagants, Tommy guns rather than PP Sh 41s. The RPG AT grenade is there, as is some sort of antitank rifle. Don't want to spoil the surprise, but much bigger toys figure in, and there's some gripping close in combat. Those of you used to M-48s as German armor will freak, and there's an even better surprise than that. Though occasionally cheesy, for propaganda in war must be served, this film is high art compared to the ridiculous farce that "Enemy at the Gates" became--with no war on! Not only do I recommend it, but I believe it offers some excellent possibilities as a basis for creating partisan scenarios and ops. Happy viewing! Regards, John Kettler 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Europa Posted August 31, 2004 Share Posted August 31, 2004 Aw... I will never get hold of that movie, can't you please tell me a little more about it (especially the equipment)... Please... Pretty please... 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simovitch Posted August 31, 2004 Share Posted August 31, 2004 The film you speak of is actually called "Days of Glory" filmed in 1944. Never saw it but from what you describe it sounds like a must see... 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oddball_E8 Posted September 1, 2004 Share Posted September 1, 2004 i would looooooove it if someone could find a bit-torrent download of that film... films like that i dont mind downloading since they are virtually impossible to get ahold of otherwise. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kettler Posted September 1, 2004 Author Share Posted September 1, 2004 Troops, It's well worth watching, even though I garbled the title. Did I mention the armored train, the antitank gun, the log cribs (AT obstacles) and the short-barreled Mk IVs? No idea how the Mk IVs were made, but they looked pretty good. And cavalry! I somehow failed to notice that this film was the debut for all the actors. Details are here, and I note that the movie is out on VHS in the U.S., but hasn't yet made it to DVD. It certainly deserves to be put there. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036748/ Regards, John Kettler [ August 31, 2004, 11:48 PM: Message edited by: John Kettler ] 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David I Posted September 1, 2004 Share Posted September 1, 2004 Guys, Go to "Belle & Blade" the best war and adventure store in the US. Call them at 1 800 365 2104, or visit their web site at www.warshows.com. Days of Glory's order number is WX63 and goes for $39.98. Ask them for their catalog, then go out and get a hammer so that you can break your piggy-bank. DavidI 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.