Cast
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Sterling Hayden
as Capt. Russ Edwards
Arthur Franz
as Lt. Pete Stacey
Marshall Thompson
as 2nd Lt. Tim Vernon
Leo Needham
as SSgt. 'Slats' Klein
Jay Barney
as Lt. Col. Stoneham
Michael Colgan
as Medic Capt. Larsen
Andy Andrews
as Lazy Joker Two
Dale Hutchinson
as Blue Boy Three-Gene
John Dennis
as MSgt. Joe Murdock
Crew
Director
- Herbert L. Strock
Producer
- Ivan Tors
- Art Arthur
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Battle Taxi examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Herbert L. Strock brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1955, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Battle Taxi took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 82 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- The film contains approximately 1520 individual shots.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1955, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Battle Taxi shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Day After, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Battle Taxi subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Capture Kill Release and Pi explore similar territory, Battle Taxi stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: January 3, 1955
- Runtime: 1h 22m
