The Young Lions

In this "super-patriotic atmosphere" (to quote Dean Martin's reluctant soldier), Edward Dmytryk's 1958 World War II drama based on Irwin Shaw's best-seller offers a sobering reality check. In parallel story lines, Marlon Brando stars as Christian Diestl, a German officer and increasingly conflicted Nazi, while Montgomery Clift plays Noah Ackerman, a Jew who is harassed by his own platoon. Martin, taking his cue from fellow rat packer Frank Sinatra's Oscar-winning role in From Here To Eternity (and no doubt hoping lightning would strike twice) also tops the bill as Mike Whiteacre, a Broadway wiseguy who's been "booked for Uncle Sam." Barbara Rush, Hope Lange and May Britt co-star as the women in their lives. While dated, some scenes--such as Ackerman standing up to his tormenters in a back ally brawl--still pack a punch. An extra-less disc, handsomely presented widescreen in Dolby Digital stereo, The Young Lions is recommended. (K. Lee Benson)