First to Fight (1967)

Jack is the sole survivor of a Japanese attack on his squad at Guadalcanal. Because of his heroism and the fact that he is still alive, he becomes a Medal of Honor hero. He returns to train... See full summary »

Director:

Christian Nyby

Writer:

Gene L. Coon

Stars:

Chad Everett, Marilyn Devin, Dean Jagger

Cast

Cast overview:
Chad Everett	...	Sgt. Jack Connell
Marilyn Devin	...	Peggy Sanford
Dean Jagger	...	Lt. Col. E.J. Baseman
Bobby Troup	...	Lt. Overman
Claude Akins	...	Capt. Mason
Gene Hackman	...	Sgt. Tweed
James Best	...	Gunnery Sgt. Ed Carnavan
Norman Alden	...	Sgt. Schmidtmer
Bobs Watson	...	Sgt. Maypole
Ken Swofford	...	O'Brien
Ray Reese	...	Hawkins
Garry Goodgion	...	Karl
Robert Austin	...	Adams
Clint Ritchie	...	Sgt. Slater
Stephen Roberts	...	Pres. Franklin D. Roosevelt

Storyline

Jack is the sole survivor of a Japanese attack on his squad at Guadalcanal. Because of his heroism and the fact that he is still alive, he becomes a Medal of Honor hero. He returns to train new recruits for the Marines and falls for a girl named Peggy. When training and marriage leave him with an empty feeling, he decides on a transfer back to the front lines. Soon he will find that marriage and life will change his outlook on the grueling battles that lie ahead.

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Plot Keywords:

medal of honor | bare chested male | world war two | sergeant | cowardice

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Taglines:

The blockbusting story of a fighting marine that comes mortar-screaming out of green hells and jungles!

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

21 May 1967 (UK)

Also Known As:

Chef de patrouille

Filming Locations:

Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, Oceanside, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

Wearing his greens, Jack has two rows of ribbons but contrary to Marine regulations, no marksmanship badges.

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Connections

Referenced in Basil Poledouris: His Life and Music (1997)

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Soundtracks

"Daddy"
Music & Lyrics by Bobby Troup
Performed by Bobby Troup

User Reviews

Pretty Good After All

Just watched the video. Chad Everett is in his prime as Jack Connell, a marine officer who has won the Congressional Medal of Honor. This film was made shortly before Viet-Nam exploded into all-out war. a gung-ho tale of a once fearless marine who comes to realize that one's life belongs to themselves as well as those with whom they love. Great acting, realistic action scenes, and an impressive performance by Gene Hackman. Sort of strange how in 1967 Chad Everett was being groomed for"super stardom" and Gene Hackman received 6th billing. Turns out that Hackman would shortly become a mega superstar with Bonnie & Clyde and The French Connection, while Everett's film career was reduced to "B" movies; stardom was his on television however.