Combat! (TV Series) Breakout (1965) User Reviews

The Quarry and the Frenchman

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 6 January 2019]

While fleeing from the Germans, Sgt. Saunders is assigned to destroy trucks and equipment in a quarry with his squad. When they reach the spot, they are trapped by Frenchman with a rifle. Saunders finally subdue the man and learns that he is the owner of the quarry and the equipment. Saunders complete his mission and when they are ready to go, they are trapped by German soldiers in larger number. Now their only chance is to repair a Bulldozer to protect them to escape from the German machine gun.

"Breakout" is a full of action episode of "Combat!" with an entertaining story. The conclusion is moralist as usual, with the Frenchman recognizing who the enemy is. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Fuga" ("Breakout")

A Story of Mental Toughness & Willpower

[jmarchese · 9/10 · 22 October 2014]

"Breakout" is a story about White Rook getting pinned down by the Germans inside a quarry after obeying a direct order from Lieutenant Hanley.

Vertrain (excellently played by Fernando Lamas) owns a large collection of heavy equipment which could be used by the Germans to repair and make key roads more passable. He vainly tries to protect his equipment from destruction by White Rook by scaring the Americans from an adjoining hillside. Upon his capture, he antagonizes The Sarge and the rest of the squad.

Ed Lakso wrote some outstanding dialog in "Breakout" between Vertrain, Saunders, & Doc which generates constructive conflict on both sides. Lamas puts his heart & soul into the episode only to butt heads with the equally stubborn & persistent Morrow, and some memorable scenes and dialog are created. Doc comes in with some excellent words of wisdom as well.

The plot is believable and the story flows. I imagine younger viewers probably loved this episode at the time it was first telecast in December 1965 because of the ingenuity, creativity, and ending sequences. I love the ever persistent Saunders' ideas on how to get out of a desperate jam. I enjoyed Kirby's resourcefulness and mechanical ability. But there is one major flaw which Director Peyser overlooked. The effect of German machine guns firing beneath the vehicles used for cover would have caused great damage to legs and feet considering the apparent unlimited fire power they had.

Aside from this, "Breakout" was very entertaining and the ending sequence along with the background music were very memorable.

Knowing right from wrong

[lor_ · 5 September 2023]

Vic and his squad are ordered to go to a quarry to destroy the equipment and vehicles there, in order to prevent the Germans from getting their hands on them. When the arrive, the French quarry owner, played by guest star Fernando Lamas, objects to the wiping out all he owns, but before this is resolved the Germans arrive and do battle.

Lamas is less than helpful, only out for himself, a defeatist who tries to get Vic to surrender to the Germans, but heroism by out good guys, making use of some of Lamas' equipment, outsmarts and defeats the Germans, after some exciting action in a novel setting. Lamas, seriously wounded, finally learns his lesson and helps out.