NINE MEN (1943, starring Jack Lambert)

Another fine war film from Belle&Blade video is yours to enjoy. NINE MEN is a taut little war feature made during World War II which shares the predicament of nine 8th Army soldiers stranded in the North African desert and caught behind enemy lines. They struggle to survive against overwhelming numbers of Italian troops and acquit themselves well in action.

The story is narrated by a tough drill sergeant who is trying to impress on his new troops the importance of discipline and the pluck it takes to survive in war. The sergeant is played by Jack Lambert and although little known as a film actor today, he comes off quite well here.

The action scenes are well-choreographed, which, let’s face it, is the measuring stick for any fan of war films. This is a little known British film that is difficult to find on video. Belle&Blade stocks it with the video box artwork intact.

The performances are fine, with the different types within the nine well defined. There is always an element of cliché in period films of this genre, and NINE MEN is no exception. Fortunately, those pre-disposed to these types of films will not find fault with the limitations of the story, for as a war film it is effective and entertaining.

While it runs barely over an hour, NINE MEN is nonetheless a suspenseful little film that deserves rediscovery by enthusiasts. Films about WWII made during WWII serve as a unique sort of time-capsule. While they all retain an element of propaganda, they also provide a perspective unmarred by the knowledge of the war’s actual outcome. There is therefore something compelling about the ‘come on, lads, we can do it’ spirit that pervades films of this type.

NINE MEN is definitely worth a look. www.belleandblade.com

Jon Ted Wynne