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.
12 Reviews
Actually, better than you'd think
frankfob1 January 2003
Chad Everett is a Marine who survives a brutal Japanese attack on his unit, and because of his heroism is sent Stateside on a morale-building tour, where he falls for the beautiful woman assigned as his guide. This film is actually better than it sounds; Everett is quite effective as the Marine who didn't think much about his own mortality while in combat, but begins to realize that circumstances are entirely different now that he has a wife to worry about. The supporting performances are generally competent, though Marilyn Devin's inexperience as an actress is obvious in her role as Everett's new wife (she later left the industry and became a newscaster). Gene Hackman and James Best are quite good as two of Everett's fellow Marine combat veterans. The battle scenes are well done, the story moves along at a good clip, though it does lag in spots, and overall it's one of director Christian ("The Thing") Nyby's better efforts.
Cf: Sgt. John Basilone in "The Pacific"
garfield082428 November 2017
After seeing this and being familiar with the series, The Pacific, it seems this is a fictional and weaker version of the real story of Sgt. John Basilone.
Nevertheless, this is a decent film and does convey some of the hell our men went through in the early stage of the war over there.
The Pacific portrayed it all much better.
Nevertheless, this is a decent film and does convey some of the hell our men went through in the early stage of the war over there.
The Pacific portrayed it all much better.
Some scenes were filmed at 2d Infantry Training Regiment, Camp Pendleton
nek33872 April 2004
I've always had a warm spot in my heart for this "B" movie because I watched some of it being made and some scenes were shot immediately in front of the quonset hut in which I lived at that time, at the Second Infantry Training Regiment, San Onofre area, Camp Pendleton, where I was stationed in the training section. It was pretty neat to watch and is the only movie I've ever seen "made" and I had the pleasure of driving Chad Everett and Dean Jagger around in a Jeep for two or three days. (Some other lucky Marine got to drive the heroine!) I got Chad Everett's autograph, but way back then he wasn't as famous as he would be later.
The movie itself is pretty good - but I'm favorably prejudiced toward any USMC movie!
The movie itself is pretty good - but I'm favorably prejudiced toward any USMC movie!
Decent, Throwback War Drama for 1967
florida8728 May 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this on TCM, they played it for Memorial Day 2012, I had never heard of it but when I saw Chad Everett it seemed different so was interested. The beginning battle scene is straight out of many films before, it would seem, but especially reminded me of the battle scene in Pride of the Marines with John Garfield. Not that it was bad, it just seemed like a verbatim copy of it to a point. The movie then goes into a love affair part which I always hated before but this one had some realism to it and reminded me of questions in my own life and with todays never ending wars I have had the option as a reservist to go back to a war zone and these issues are address in this film with Chad's fiancé and then wife. I thought that was pretty interesting and I normally hate the domestic relationship parts in these war films. Which brings me to what I now started thinking of this film, it was made in 1967 but sure did seem that it was made in 1957 or 55 or even 52. I'm guessing like others have said that this was made solely to be a B movie/ drive in fare. It's target audience being the Marine Corps, and the South. I believe Gomer Pyle USMC was the number one TV show that year so this was made to cash in on that audience somewhat, IMHO. The final battle scenes seemed rushed and unrealistic in Chad's sudden change of heart but I guess they thought the film needed something, it really didn't they should have just left the good chance of death be enough tension for the audience and then when it gets all solved it really reveled itself as just a B movie action flick. Chad did a good job and showed a wide range of emotions I liked him, Gene Hackman was wasted here especially with the drama of having a coward officer above him, he was not the Gene Hackman you and I know. Claude Akins has major billing but has a very bit part as a Major at the CP, no drama went on there. Dean Jagger does a convincing Marine Colonel, and William Conrad adds his distinctive voice as a narrator. The combat hardware seemed real enough for the period. It was probably post WW2 hardware but unlike a film like Battle Of The Bulge where the Germans are using Pershing tanks as Tigers and it's distracting, since I am not familiar with Pacific WW2 hardware it looks realistic enough and the stock footage was in color and blended in OK. All in all, I was entertained enough but this wont go down as any Sands Of Iwo Jima best of film. I give it a 6 of 10 as far as B movie war dramas go.
Sometimes obscurity brings on quite a surprise.
mark.waltz16 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not crazy about the title which gives the impression that this is a B film. Perhaps for Warner Brothers it was considering that they had bigger films that year like "Camelot", "Wait Until Dark" and "Cool Hand Luke". But they had another B film, "Bonnie and Clyde", which became a surprise hit and moved up to A status. The element of this that indicates B is the lack of a superstar although Chad Everett was quite a matinee idol.
There were a lot of World War II films made during the war that covered similar territory but this is combined with a 50's gloss of wide screen, beautiful color photography and a soapy subplot that is really important to the story as a whole. That involves the gorgeous Marilyn Devin as the head of a bond tour that Everett is assigned to upon his return from Guadalcanal where his bravery helped win the battle. FDR gives him the presidential medal of honor and after aggressively pursuing the determined Devin gets married and becomes involved in training at Camp Pendleton.
A great moment has Devin, who up to now has been a rather cold pursuit, reveals the reason she doesn't want to get involved with another man in combat, and for a while, it appears that Everett will not be going back to fight. But tragedy strikes and Everett becomes conflicted about what he should do. This brings on more combat scenes and conflict in the marriage which makes the romantic element much more important than it usually is.
I found Devin to be great in her role and it's a shame she only made a few movies. Gene Hackman has a small part, the same year he got acclaim for "Bonnie and Clyde". Dean Jagger is excellent as Everett's commanding officer who has to step in when Everett's depression gets out of control. This is quite a surprising find as many movies about World War II made in the 60's focused on the violence over the story, and this avoids that trap.
There were a lot of World War II films made during the war that covered similar territory but this is combined with a 50's gloss of wide screen, beautiful color photography and a soapy subplot that is really important to the story as a whole. That involves the gorgeous Marilyn Devin as the head of a bond tour that Everett is assigned to upon his return from Guadalcanal where his bravery helped win the battle. FDR gives him the presidential medal of honor and after aggressively pursuing the determined Devin gets married and becomes involved in training at Camp Pendleton.
A great moment has Devin, who up to now has been a rather cold pursuit, reveals the reason she doesn't want to get involved with another man in combat, and for a while, it appears that Everett will not be going back to fight. But tragedy strikes and Everett becomes conflicted about what he should do. This brings on more combat scenes and conflict in the marriage which makes the romantic element much more important than it usually is.
I found Devin to be great in her role and it's a shame she only made a few movies. Gene Hackman has a small part, the same year he got acclaim for "Bonnie and Clyde". Dean Jagger is excellent as Everett's commanding officer who has to step in when Everett's depression gets out of control. This is quite a surprising find as many movies about World War II made in the 60's focused on the violence over the story, and this avoids that trap.
I too was in this movie
dougmhurst29 April 2015
A B-Movie at best, but when you're in it changes everything. M1 rifles on Guadalcanal? Japanese soldiers with rubber bayonets. Several modern day vehicles in the background at various points. But hey! It did honor a real life Marine hero.. Manila John Basilone.
In August 1966, I was 19 years old, had just graduated Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego and had relocated to Camp Pendleton for Infantry Training Regiment.
Reveille went 30 minutes early for us one day... 0500 instead of 0530. Once we were in formation, we were double-timed (shuffle run) 5 miles to a location none of us had ever been to before. It was the location of the current day's shooting of The First to Fight.
In one scene, they took two of our platoons and put us behind a platoon of actors on the side of a hill with a path running down it. When they yelled action, the actors were to run down the path and turn left. We were to run down the path and turn right. As we waited, one of the film's crew came up through the platoon of actors spraying water on them that was supposed to make them look sweaty. After he finished when them he came to us, took one look and said I don't think you fellas need this. Having run 5 miles to get to the "lot" he was right. Unfortunately, that scene was left on the cutting room floor.
The scene we were in that made the final cut occurs about 50 or so minutes into the film. Chad Everett is mad as his men for not picking up on instruction and is berating them. Our 4 platoon company is marching around in rectangles in the background making it appear there were a lot more Marines present than were actually present.
I've always wanted to ask Gene Hackman if he remembers the movie we made together. I'm sure that would draw a quizzical look. He'd certainly have no idea who I was... but it's one of my favorite memories and favorite stories to tell... but a pretty crappy movie when you get right down to it.
In August 1966, I was 19 years old, had just graduated Recruit Training at MCRD San Diego and had relocated to Camp Pendleton for Infantry Training Regiment.
Reveille went 30 minutes early for us one day... 0500 instead of 0530. Once we were in formation, we were double-timed (shuffle run) 5 miles to a location none of us had ever been to before. It was the location of the current day's shooting of The First to Fight.
In one scene, they took two of our platoons and put us behind a platoon of actors on the side of a hill with a path running down it. When they yelled action, the actors were to run down the path and turn left. We were to run down the path and turn right. As we waited, one of the film's crew came up through the platoon of actors spraying water on them that was supposed to make them look sweaty. After he finished when them he came to us, took one look and said I don't think you fellas need this. Having run 5 miles to get to the "lot" he was right. Unfortunately, that scene was left on the cutting room floor.
The scene we were in that made the final cut occurs about 50 or so minutes into the film. Chad Everett is mad as his men for not picking up on instruction and is berating them. Our 4 platoon company is marching around in rectangles in the background making it appear there were a lot more Marines present than were actually present.
I've always wanted to ask Gene Hackman if he remembers the movie we made together. I'm sure that would draw a quizzical look. He'd certainly have no idea who I was... but it's one of my favorite memories and favorite stories to tell... but a pretty crappy movie when you get right down to it.
Good wartime film with emotion , thrills , nice battle scenes and a romantic love story
ma-cortes22 May 2020
In WWII , a Marine sergeant called Jack Connell (Chad Everett) becomes the sole survivor of a Japanese attack on his squadron at island of Guadalcanal . As Jack turns the highest decorated soldier and he has a furlough to be given the congress medal of honor by President Franklyn D. Roosevelt . Later on , he is training recruits at a boot hill and falls in love for Peggy (gorgeous Marylin Devin) and both of whom get married . But he holds an empty feeling and wants to fight at actual battles . But his happy marriage and his easy life as a camp drill , will change his life , that's why he decides to enlist again . As his fighting spirit throws him to request a return to active line of duty . The blockbusting story of a fighting marine that comes mortar-screaming out of green hells and jungles ¡ .This is the strange adventure of Shangai Jack Connell , whose greatest test of heroism came after he won the Congressional medal of Honor.........
Pretty good wartime with drama, fights , impressive grueling battles and enjoyable romance .The best character as starring played by Chad Everett as an officer who desires to be transfered back on front lines , however having much doubts and fears when he goes in action . This film pays tribute to Casablanca by Michael Curtiz , appearing frames from Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman and its musical theme would be fundamental part in this picture titled First to fight . Chad Everett gives a fine acting as the sergeant promoted lieutenant in Guadalcanal but he has symptons of cowardice , at times . Everett played some films as Rome adventure , The singing nun , Johnny Tiger , Centennial, The impossible years , Fever pitch , Jigsaw murders ,Airplane II , Intruder within, but with no much success ; nevertheless , getting a big hit in Medical Center and other series. Along with Gene Hackman in one of his first roles before becoming a mega-star , though he is billed the sixth one , he bears an important character as a two-fisted Sgt. , as he doesn't shows up until third act , but being an essential role at that point and extremely well played , as usual . And other secondaries as the illustrous Dean Jagger , James Best , Clint Ritchie , Bobby Troup , Norman Alden and Claude Akins who played various warfare movies as a simple Private , here he performs a tough captain .
Being lavishly produced by the known actor/producer/director William Conrad and Warner Bros. that also financed Casablanca . The film packs a moving and thrilling musical score by Fred Steiner . As well as colorful cinematography in Technicolor by Harald Wellman . The picture was well directed by Christian Nyby II. His first and most famous film was the classi Sci-Fi titled : The thing from another world , co-directed by Howard Hawks . Christian Nyby made a few films as Hell on Devil's island , Elfego Baca: Six gun law , Young fury , Operacion CIA , but his career was usuallly developed in television , making episodes of known series as Kojak , The six million dollar man , Lassie , Emergency , The streets of San Francisco , The Jimmy Stewart show , Daniel Boone , I spy , Bonanza, The FBI , The fugitive , Gunsmoke , The twilight zone ,Perry Mason , Whispering smith , Wagon train , Cimarron City , Tombstone, Zane Grey theater, The Californians , The Frank Sinatra show, The adventures of Jim Bowie , among others. Rating 6.5/10 . Better than average Warlike movie . Well worth watching.
Pretty good wartime with drama, fights , impressive grueling battles and enjoyable romance .The best character as starring played by Chad Everett as an officer who desires to be transfered back on front lines , however having much doubts and fears when he goes in action . This film pays tribute to Casablanca by Michael Curtiz , appearing frames from Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman and its musical theme would be fundamental part in this picture titled First to fight . Chad Everett gives a fine acting as the sergeant promoted lieutenant in Guadalcanal but he has symptons of cowardice , at times . Everett played some films as Rome adventure , The singing nun , Johnny Tiger , Centennial, The impossible years , Fever pitch , Jigsaw murders ,Airplane II , Intruder within, but with no much success ; nevertheless , getting a big hit in Medical Center and other series. Along with Gene Hackman in one of his first roles before becoming a mega-star , though he is billed the sixth one , he bears an important character as a two-fisted Sgt. , as he doesn't shows up until third act , but being an essential role at that point and extremely well played , as usual . And other secondaries as the illustrous Dean Jagger , James Best , Clint Ritchie , Bobby Troup , Norman Alden and Claude Akins who played various warfare movies as a simple Private , here he performs a tough captain .
Being lavishly produced by the known actor/producer/director William Conrad and Warner Bros. that also financed Casablanca . The film packs a moving and thrilling musical score by Fred Steiner . As well as colorful cinematography in Technicolor by Harald Wellman . The picture was well directed by Christian Nyby II. His first and most famous film was the classi Sci-Fi titled : The thing from another world , co-directed by Howard Hawks . Christian Nyby made a few films as Hell on Devil's island , Elfego Baca: Six gun law , Young fury , Operacion CIA , but his career was usuallly developed in television , making episodes of known series as Kojak , The six million dollar man , Lassie , Emergency , The streets of San Francisco , The Jimmy Stewart show , Daniel Boone , I spy , Bonanza, The FBI , The fugitive , Gunsmoke , The twilight zone ,Perry Mason , Whispering smith , Wagon train , Cimarron City , Tombstone, Zane Grey theater, The Californians , The Frank Sinatra show, The adventures of Jim Bowie , among others. Rating 6.5/10 . Better than average Warlike movie . Well worth watching.
Tepid Retelling of a Legend
mehfre11 September 2023
This is a rather bland remake of the story of Sgt. John Basilone, the first Marine to earn the Medal of Honor in WWII. It strays too far from the real story to be an actual biopic, yet steals so much from Basilone's story that the filmmakers should be ashamed of themselves for misappropriating his heroism for the sake of a tacky made-for-TV movie. People not familiar with John Basilone probably won't understand just how cheesy and tasteless this film is, but those who are familiar with their WWII history likely won't appreciate this effort. If the film had taken a different approach, it might have made a decent movie, but as is, it's a tawdry joke.
Actually Three Movies In One
TheFearmakers15 March 2022
Starting out an old school hunkered-in-the-trenches World War II action flick with heroic Chad Everett holding off approaching Japanese soldiers in an off-river jungle setting, FIRST TO FIGHT... produced and narrated by William Conrad with direction by Christian Nyby... makes an abrupt shift into a budding Stateside romance...
Progressively ignited between Everett's surviving and returning Sgt. Jack Connell and the lovely, classy and hard-to-get war bond touring chief Marilyn Devin; yet the best scenes have our true blue veteran competing with cocky cad Bobby Troup, who's not good enough to win this lady over...
She's been through the ringer with a dead husband from Pearl Harbor, and the inevitable, unforced chemistry between Everett and Devin is genuine... until, when becoming a drill sergeant at Camp Pendleton, reunited with former colonel Dean Jagger (with best friend James Best back in the jungle), Connell wants another mission, and as the saying goes... be careful what you wish for...
For true war movie fanatics the third act is the best when the jungle warrior gets cold feet on a Normandy Beach style invasion, and, while it's cringe-worthy experiencing the hero becoming a coward, scenes with non-famous Gene Hackman as a strong/silent sergeant make this FIGHT, in attempting three stories in one, sustain patriotic entertainment without being too corny or nostalgic.
Progressively ignited between Everett's surviving and returning Sgt. Jack Connell and the lovely, classy and hard-to-get war bond touring chief Marilyn Devin; yet the best scenes have our true blue veteran competing with cocky cad Bobby Troup, who's not good enough to win this lady over...
She's been through the ringer with a dead husband from Pearl Harbor, and the inevitable, unforced chemistry between Everett and Devin is genuine... until, when becoming a drill sergeant at Camp Pendleton, reunited with former colonel Dean Jagger (with best friend James Best back in the jungle), Connell wants another mission, and as the saying goes... be careful what you wish for...
For true war movie fanatics the third act is the best when the jungle warrior gets cold feet on a Normandy Beach style invasion, and, while it's cringe-worthy experiencing the hero becoming a coward, scenes with non-famous Gene Hackman as a strong/silent sergeant make this FIGHT, in attempting three stories in one, sustain patriotic entertainment without being too corny or nostalgic.
Odd casting but it worked well.
planktonrules6 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
When "First to Fight" began, I was surprised to see Chad Everett playing a career Marine! But despite my feelings, he was actually pretty good and the film well worth seeing.
The story begins at the Battle of Guadalcanal...one of the longest and bloodiest battles of WWII. During this fight, Sgt. Jack Connell (Everett) rises to the occasion and single-handedly fights off a Japanese attack. For this heroism, he's awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and is taken for an extended State-side publicity tour. Along the way, he gets married and then is given a nice assignment training recruits. But he feels survivor guilt and eventually gets himself sent back into action...but that's not the end of the story.
The film is interesting and deals with one aspect of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Everett handles it well and the story never disappoints.
The story begins at the Battle of Guadalcanal...one of the longest and bloodiest battles of WWII. During this fight, Sgt. Jack Connell (Everett) rises to the occasion and single-handedly fights off a Japanese attack. For this heroism, he's awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and is taken for an extended State-side publicity tour. Along the way, he gets married and then is given a nice assignment training recruits. But he feels survivor guilt and eventually gets himself sent back into action...but that's not the end of the story.
The film is interesting and deals with one aspect of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Everett handles it well and the story never disappoints.
Great movie with all the drama and action one can ask for
claude_butler12 March 2006
I saw this movie as a kid when it first came out in 1967. My father let me use his automobile to go to the local drive in theater to see this movie. I was quite impressed with it as a young lad and join the Marine Corps six months later. This movie has a lot of sentimental value for me. But, I'm a little confused as to why it cost so much at $49.00 and change on VHS. Can anyone give me some insight as to why this movie is so valuable? I want to purchase this movie but not at the current asking price.
Thanks
Claude W. Butler
Thanks
Claude W. Butler
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