Pork Chop Hill (1959)

During the Korean War, Lieutenant Joe Clemons (Gregory Peck) leads a regiment to capture and hold Pork Chop Hill for the Americans. Casualties are heavy and supplies are dwindling. Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations are underway and the battle may be called off – despite all those men apparently dying for nothing.

Peck has a compelling authority, as always, but overall the film is low on dramatic tension. There’s a lack of context that means questions go unanswered about the strategic value of the battle. In some ways that’s the point – it may be an entirely insignificant conflict that cost so many lives. 

George Peppard and Harry Dean Stanton appear in minor roles, although I didn’t even recognise the former.

Disappointing all round.