April 4, 2022

Leo Genn and Burgess Meredith narrate this factually interesting documentary on "Operation Acrobat" - the allied invasion of North Africa. Using actuality (and no interviews) it depicts the initial success of this project before a successful Nazi counterattack and then final the push to Tunis. It was issued jointly by the British and American governments and is remarkably frank for 1944. It doesn't shy away from revealing that this campaign was f… read the rest.

Leo Genn and Burgess Meredith narrate this factually interesting documentary on "Operation Acrobat" - the allied invasion of North Africa. Using actuality (and no interviews) it depicts the initial success of this project before a successful Nazi counterattack and then final the push to Tunis. It was issued jointly by the British and American governments and is remarkably frank for 1944. It doesn't shy away from revealing that this campaign was fraught with danger and setbacks. The photography is impressive. Certainly, by now, the military cinematographic units had become very adept at capturing the brutal imagery of war - even at the point of victory and their efforts here hold the attention well for 75 minutes. There is also quite a poignant vocal contribution from Bernard Miles, as a sort of unknown soldier, that crops up now and again adding some humanity to the proceedings too. I like that fact that there are no quotes, but that can make it just a bit dull to watch at times. Still, as a piece of real-time cinema it is pretty good.

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