Is The Dirty Dozen Based on a True Story? Cast, Plot, Trailer and more
by Jayasree D
Updated Sep 04, 2023
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The Dirty Dozen
"The Dirty Dozen" is a 1967 American war film directed by Robert Aldrich and is based on the 1965 novel of the same name by E. M. Nathanson. The movie boasts an ensemble cast that includes Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, Jim Brown, and more.
Set during World War II in 1944, the film centers around a group of twelve convicts who are assembled into a penal military unit and trained as commandos by the Allies. Their mission is a perilous one, involving a suicide mission ahead of the Normandy landings.
The film was inspired by a real-life World War II unit known as the "Filthy Thirteen," which consisted of behind-the-lines demolition specialists from the 101st Airborne Division. There's also a possible connection to an offer made by 44 prisoners serving life sentences at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary to President Franklin D. Roosevelt to serve in the Pacific War on suicide missions against the Japanese.
"The Dirty Dozen" was a box office success, won an Academy Award for Best Sound Editing, and earned a spot on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 most thrilling films.
Additionally, the film led to several television film sequels in the 1980s, including "The Dirty Dozen: Next Mission," "The Dirty Dozen: The Deadly Mission," and "The Dirty Dozen: The Fatal Mission." A remake was also announced in 2019 by Warner Bros., showcasing the lasting impact and popularity of this iconic war film.
Is The Dirty Dozen Based on a True Story?
The Dirty Dozen was inspired by a real-life group known as the "Filthy Thirteen," the movie took many liberties with the facts. In the film, the commandos are portrayed as convicted criminals who are given a chance to earn their freedom by volunteering for a dangerous mission.
While the Filthy Thirteen did exist during World War II and were a group of unconventional soldiers, their story and motivations were different from what the movie portrays. The movie is a work of fiction and should not be considered a historical account.
The Dirty Dozen Cast
Lee Marvin
Major John Reisman
Ernest Borgnine
Major General Sam Worden
Charles Bronson
Joseph Wladislaw
Jim Brown
Robert T. Jefferson
John Cassavetes
Victor R. Franko
Richard Jaeckel
Sergeant Clyde Bowren
George Kennedy
Major Max Armbruster
Trini López
Pedro Jiminez
Ralph Meeker
Captain Stuart Kinder
Robert Ryan
Colonel Everett Dasher Breed
Telly Savalas
Archer J. Maggot
Donald Sutherland
Vernon L. Pinkley
Clint Walker
Samson Posey
Robert Webber
Brigadier General Denton
Tom Busby
Milo Vladek
Ben Carruthers
Glenn Gilpin
Stuart Cooper
Roscoe Lever
Colin Maitland
Seth K. Sawyer
Al Mancini
Tassos R. Bravos
Robert Phillips
Corporal Carl Morgan
Dora Reisser
German officer's girl
George Roubicek
Private Arthur James Gardner
Thick Wilson
General Worden's aide
Cast
Characters
The Dirty Dozen Plot
"The Dirty Dozen" unfolds against the backdrop of World War II, where OSS officer Major John Reisman is tasked with a covert mission known as "Project Amnesty." His mission is to transform a group of twelve hardened convicts, most of whom faced death sentences or long-term imprisonment, into a skilled commando unit. Their objective: infiltrate a château near Rennes, France, and eliminate Wehrmacht officers to disrupt the German chain of command ahead of D-Day. The catch is that if any of the convicts survive the perilous mission, they will be granted a pardon.
Reisman meets the twelve convicts at a military prison, where he quickly establishes his authority. Under his guidance, they begin to work together and build their own training camp. Despite challenges and insubordination, Reisman's leadership molds them into a cohesive team known as the "Dirty Dozen." Their training involves psychoanalysis by Captain Kinder, who identifies Maggott, a psychopathic criminal, as the most dangerous among them. As the training nears completion, they face additional obstacles, including interference from Colonel Breed and doubts from ADSEC staff.
The climax of the film sees the Dirty Dozen parachuting into France, where they face unexpected challenges. Despite setbacks and casualties, they manage to carry out their mission, eliminating the Wehrmacht officers. In the end, only Reisman, Bowren, and Wladislaw survive, and General Worden exonerates the lone survivor while conveying the sacrifice of the others to their next of kin.
This action-packed plot, filled with twists and turns, showcases the transformation of a group of convicts into a formidable commando unit and their daring mission behind enemy lines during a pivotal moment in history.
Where Was the Dirty Dozen Filmed?
"The Dirty Dozen" was filmed in England at MGM-British Studios and released by MGM. This iconic war film, set during World War II in 1944, takes place against the backdrop of England. The story revolves around a group of twelve convicts who are transformed into a commando unit and trained for a perilous mission leading up to the Normandy landings.
The choice of filming location in England adds an authentic atmosphere to the movie, capturing the historical essence of the era. The MGM-British Studios provided the production team with the necessary facilities and settings to recreate the wartime period and the challenges faced by the Dirty Dozen during their training and mission. The film's success can be attributed not only to its compelling plot and talented cast but also to the realistic and immersive filming location that contributed to its overall authenticity and impact.
The Dirty Dozen Review
"The Dirty Dozen" is an action-packed and gripping war film set against the backdrop of World War II. The plot follows Major John Reisman as he takes on the daunting task of turning a group of hardened convicts into skilled commandos for a covert mission. The story is filled with tension and suspense as the convicts, facing life sentences or worse, are trained to become a cohesive unit known as the "Dirty Dozen." Their journey from insubordination to teamwork is portrayed convincingly, and the film keeps viewers engaged throughout.
What sets "The Dirty Dozen" apart is its complex characters, each with their own dark pasts and motivations. The cast delivers stellar performances, with Lee Marvin as Major Reisman leading the way.
The movie delves into the psychological aspects of the characters, especially the chilling portrayal of the psychopathic Maggott. The action sequences are intense, and the film's climax, set in a château in northern France, is both thrilling and suspenseful. Overall, "The Dirty Dozen" combines a well-crafted plot, strong character development, and intense action to create a classic war film that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
Is The Dirty Dozen Based on a True Story-FAQs
"The Dirty Dozen" drew inspiration from a real-life group called the "Filthy Thirteen."
The Dirty Dozen" was directed by Robert Aldrich.
The film is set during World War II and follows a group of twelve convicts who are transformed into a commando unit and trained for a dangerous mission ahead of the Normandy landings.
The film boasts an ensemble cast, including Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, Jim Brown, and Donald Sutherland.
Yes, a significant portion of the movie focuses on the training and transformation of the convicts into a cohesive unit.