THE DEVIL'S BRIGADE 1968 Photo HOLDEN, EDWARDS, ROBERTSON, CARROLL O'CONNOR

This is an original 8x10 glossy, black and white, still scene photo picturing WILLIAM HOLDEN, CLIFF ROBERTSON, VINCE EDWARDS and CARROLL O’CONNOR from the 1968 United Artists Corporation World War II action drama about one of the elite units that is part of the lineage of modern day Special Forces, “THE DEVIL’S BRIGADE”, directed by ANDREW V. McLAGLEN. This is a strong film that examines friendship, camaraderie, and teamwork. Its message is not one of cynicism but the good that can be found in the human spirit.

During the early days of World War II, while the United States was massing its forces for the war, England hastily plans commando raids against the German forces to keep them at bay until America's troops enter the war. As a part of this plan, the Allies create the 1st Special Service Force to plan and carry out an attack on Norway in order to tie up the German forces. This commando force of Canadian soldiers and American GIs is headed by Lt. Col. Robert T. Frederick (WILLIAM HOLDEN), a paper-pusher given his first field command. Antagonism immediately erupts between Canadian Maj. Alan Crown (CLIFF ROBERTSON) and American Maj. Cliff Bricker (VINCE EDWARDS). But Frederick utilizes their mutual dislike as a basis for a rivalry that turns this rag-tag group of misfits into a disciplined fighting force. But now that Frederick's men are ready to fight, Frederick receives word that the Norway mission has been canceled. After appealing to Washington for another assignment for the commandos, the brigade is sent on a patrol near the German lines in southern Italy. The brigade captures an enemy-held village and is then given the seemingly impossible task of taking Mt. La Difensa. The bawdy humor in “THE DEVIL'S BRIGADE” prepares us for the emotionally charged final confrontation with the Germans and makes the carnage all the more real for the viewer. There is exceptionally great depth to all the characters in “THE DEVIL'S BRIGADE” and director McLaglen builds real camaraderie between them. The final mission is just not a little sortie to attack a Nazi stronghold on a hillside precipice. It is an assault, which breaks out into a full-scale battle with deadly hand-to-hand combat and feats of genuine heroism.

“The Devil's Brigade” really existed (although the unit was actually known as "The Black Devils"). During World War II, the brigade suffered casualty rates of 39%. Following the end of WWII, the brigade was disbanded. Veterans of “The Devil's Brigade” have been meeting each year, since 1945, in Montana, at the former training facility depicted in the movie.

• The photo pictures a scene with WILLIAM HOLDEN (Lt. Col. Frederick), CLIFF ROBERTSON (Maj. Alan Crown) and VINCE EDWARDS (Maj. Cliff Bricker) getting a reprimand from CARROLL O’CONNOR (Maj. Gen Maxwell Hunter) for taking unnecessary chances with their own safety in participating with their unit in the capture of an enemy-held village. The photo is in very good condition with minor edge wear. It is still # DB-15