Never So Few

Never So Few is a film that tends to be derided, but I think it's better than its reputation suggests. Yes the romantic storyline is overcooked and drags the film down, but the military aspects are compelling and the combat stuff is very well done, particularly the airfield attack (even if it is a little fanciful). Frank Sinatra is very good in the lead role, and he's joined by a fine cast, including Richard Johnson, Paul Henreid, Dean Jones, Peter Lawford, Brian Donlevy (late appearance as a no-nonsense general), Charles Bronson and, in his breakthrough role, Steve McQueen, who definitely seemed destined for bigger things, making a significant impression (director John Sturges would cast McQueen and Bronson in his next film, a little western called The Magnificent Seven). Warner Archive's Blu-ray is exemplary, as always.