Introduction

Fixed Bayonets! is a 1951 American war film written and directed by Samuel Fuller and produced by Twentieth Century-Fox during the Korean War.

The story of a platoon during the Korean War. One by one Corporal Denno’s superiors are killed until it comes to the point where he must try to take command responsibility.

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Outline

The film is set in the first winter of the Korean War during the Red Chinese intervention. The story follows the fate of a lone 48 man platoon left as a rear guard to defend a choke point, to cover the withdrawal of their division over an exposed bridge. The subplot explores the psychological makeup of the individuals charged with leadership of the platoon, and therein examines the nature of service and valour. Ultimately command of the platoon falls upon Cpl. Denno (Richard Basehart), who has an innate aversion to responsibility for the lives of others.

Cast

• Richard Basehart – Cpl. Denno.
• Gene Evans – Sgt. Rock.
• Michael O’Shea – Sgt. Lonergan.
• Richard Hylton – Medic John Wheeler.
• Skip Homeier – Whitey.
• David Wolfson – Bigmouth.
• Henry Kulky – Vogl.
• Craig Hill – Lieutenant Gibbs.
• James Dean – Doggie (uncredited).

Trivia

• It was Fuller’s second film about the Korean War, the first being The Steel Helmet (1951).
• Having had problems with Fuller’s The Steel Helmet, The US Army assigned Medal of Honour recipient Raymond Harvey as the film’s technical advisor.
  • Samuel Fuller, himself a decorated World War II veteran, forged a lasting bond with Harvey, who again served as technical adviser in the 1958 film Verboten!.
• In his motion picture debut, James Dean appears briefly at the conclusion of the film.
• In 1972, it was the last programme to air on WHDH-TV in Boston before it went off the air on 19 March 1972 and WCVB-TV was then launched.

Production & Filming Details

• Director(s): Samuel Fuller.
• Producer(s): Jules Buck.
• Writer(s): Samuel Fuller (screenplay) and Lamar Trotti (story).
• Music: Roy Webb.
• Cinematography: Lucien Ballard.
• Editor(s): Nick DeMaggio.
• Production:
• Distributor(s): 20th Century Fox.
• Release Date: 06 December 1951 (US).
• Running time: 92 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.

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