Review for Fixed Bayonets!

‘Fixed Bayonets’ is a low-budget, almost below the radar film that has grown in stature since its release in 1951, not least because it was director Samuel Fuller’s first production for a major studio.
A small army platoon are ordered to stay behind to protect a 15,000-man division as it moves out under heavy enemy fire. One corporal, whom the platoon has mistakenly come to believe is a hero, is left with the responsibility of protecting the men - a decision that may cost them dearly amidst escalating and unpredictable circumstances.



Although much about ‘Fixed Bayonets’ feels stagey (it was filmed in large part in a studio) it still packs a punch. Apparently Fuller was attracted to the story as it accurately reflected his own experiences as a soldier in WWII. It’s a no-holds barred piece which very effectively mixes the sheer drudgery and discomfort of war as well as its consequent horrors. It also effectively explores issues of heroism – in some just mindlessly getting the job done, whereas for others it becomes about survival and protection of colleagues.




Featuring Richard Basehart (La Strada), Fuller regular Gene Evans (Park Row, Shock Corridor) and an early appearance by James Dean, it’s a neatly directed piece which rattles along apace with plenty of action – but enough thought-provoking soul searching to raise it above the norm, without ever descending to melodrama. Technically, it’s also a great example of how much can be done with very little budget. In that regard, it put me in mind of an extended ‘Twilight Zone’ episode; not quite a movie but a very decent television show, expertly written, played and directed by all involved.
The odds for the small group of just under 48 hand-picked men isn’t great; they know that going in. But it’s for the greater good – their few lives to save some 15,000 men as they retreat from the Koreans.


To imagine what it must have been like for such men, living in a brutal climate with very little in the way of comfort, hopelessly outnumbered and with little chance of success, relying on men to ‘do the right thing’; why, it makes a guy think, it surely does.



One of the men, Corporal Denno (Richard Basehart) is nervous about leadership and as his superiors begin to fall it dawns on him that he may be in line to command the group of men. He fears that they know he is scared, somehow lacking the credibility to lead the men. But when his Sergeant takes a bullet, trapped inside a cave he has to now take command. That means waiting until the allotted time to retreat with his men; not a second before, even if it means he and the men losing their own lives. Somehow, he finds the courage, the authority and the leadership skills to help the majority of the survivors get out alive.


The general rapport among the soldiers during non-action sequences is impressive and seems vey natural. The tensions and camaraderie in turn reveal the group to be made up of regular American Joe’s – all waiting for the nightmare to end and dreaming of home, whether that be dames, hot apple pie or bowling. Despite its technical limitations (it’s all shot in a snow-strewed studio) it manages to remain impressively real.


The editing and camera-work are exceptional, making even the simplest of scenes absolute nail-biters. The scene where Corporal Denno tiptoes across a known minefield to try and save his wounded sergeant is almost unbearable to watch.

The transfer can only be described as top-notch – stunning in its clarity and detail, a beautiful, high contrast monochrome image where every frame would make a perfect poster print. The source is incredibly clean too with virtually no signs of wear.


Extra features included on the disc itself include a trailer, an image gallery featuring production and press pictures, and an incredibly informative and entertaining commentary by film critic Adrian Martin. Also included is a booklet featuring a new essay by critic Glenn Kenny and excerpts from Fuller's autobiography A Third Face.

‘Fixed Bayonets’ is a really thought-provoking and entertaining film, albeit a budget production. Given those constraints, it’s a remarkable achievement and there is surely no better way to enjoy it than this edition. Highly recommended.