I'd like to know where this gem has been hiding all these years. I peruse WW2 films like they're a fine wine and this one's among the very best. It's probably the best companion piece to my personal favorite: Kelly's Heroes. Certainly a better companion than Where Eagles Dare. I recommend going into this blind. The anti-war message has lost its edge over time, but there are still a few surprises that even the most jaded viewer of jaded war films will find enjoyable.

Fun characters. Unfortunately the direction and editing drags in a few points of this film; a half hour could probably have been cut from it without missing much of anything. Other than that, a solid North African desert combat film with a few decent twists.