Back Door to Hell (1964)

During WWII, a three-man commando team places its trust in the hands of a band of Filipino resistants, as they try to knock out a Japanese communication center.

Director:

Monte Hellman

Writers:

Richard A. Guttman (screenplay), John Hackett (screenplay),

Stars:

Jimmie Rodgers, Jack Nicholson, John Hackett

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Jimmie Rodgers	...	Lt. Craig
Jack Nicholson	...	Burnett
John Hackett	...	Jersey
Annabelle Huggins	...	Maria
Conrad Maga	...	Paco
Johnny Monteiro	...	Ramundo
Joe Sison	...	Japanese Capt.
Henry Duval	...	Garde
Ben Perez
Vic Uematsu

Storyline

In December, 1944, three US soldiers sneak ashore on Luzon to gather intelligence about Japanese troops in advance of the American armada. The three are to reconnoiter and report via their shortwave radio. Lieutenant Craig may not have the stomach for killing; Jersey is a cynical sergeant; Bartlett is the radio man who also speaks Japanese. They're soon in touch with guerrillas, led by Paco, a tough, skeptical school teacher. The Japanese learn the Americans are in the area and take school children hostage until the Filipinos find, arrest, and turn over the GIs. Can this tiny squad make allies, save the children, get and transmit the information, and live to tell the tale?

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Plot Keywords:

radio | soldier | intelligence | battle | japan | 

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Taglines:

It took courage to get to Luzon - and blood and guts to move every mile beyond!

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Genres:

War | Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA Philippines

Language:

English

Release Date:

November 1964 (USA)

Also Known As:

Escapatoria al infierno

Filming Locations:

Bicol, Luzon, Philippines

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lippert Pictures, Medallion Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

75 min 69 min (FMC Library Print)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

A bicycle and a wheelchair were used in place of camera dollies on this film.

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Goofs

When the Filipino actors speak in their native tongue it is Tagalog but people around Lingayen Gulf speak Pangasinan, a different dialect.

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Quotes

Jersey: Yeah, we're all gonna die anyway - tomorrow, next week, 30 years from now. Did that little thought ever penetrate your thick skull?
Burnett: Yeah, once when I was a boy, but naturally I dismissed it as being too outrageous.

User Reviews

An unusual cast highlights this location filmed WWII tale.

One time pop singing star Jimmy Rodgers is teamed with a VERY young Jack Nicholson, in this tale of three Intel-recon rangers, landing in the Phillipines, just prior to McArthur's return. This is an early directorial effort by Monte Hellman, and combined with the young cast, and several Phillipino actors there is a sense of awkwardness to the film that actually lends to its authenticity. The story, centered on knocking out a Japanese communication center is simple, the dialogue terse. Theatre owner/producer Lippert is credited as an executive producer, and the film is reminscent of his earlier release "Silent Raiders" (1954). Worth a look, just to see a young Nicholson, honing his craft.