The Lost Battalion (2001)

Fact-based war drama about an American battalion of over 500 men which gets trapped behind enemy lines in the Argonne Forest in October 1918 France during the closing weeks of World War I.

Director:

Russell Mulcahy

Writer:

James Carabatsos (as Jim Carabatsos)

Stars:

Ricky Schroder, Phil McKee, Jamie Harris

Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ricky Schroder	...	Maj. Charles White Whittlesey (as Rick Schroder)
Phil McKee	...	Capt. George McMurtry
Jamie Harris	...	Sgt. Gaedeke
Jay Rodan	...	Lt. Leak
Adam James	...	Capt. Nelson Holderman - Co. K, 307th
Daniel Caltagirone	...	Pvt. Phillip Cepeglia
Michael Goldstrom	...	Pvt. Jacob Rosen
André Vippolis	...	Pvt. Lipasti - Runner
Rhys Miles Thomas	...	Pvt. Bob Yoder - Sharpshooter
Arthur Kremer	...	Pvt. Abraham Krotoshinsky
Adam Kotz	...	Col. Johnson
Justin Scot	...	Pvt. Omer Richards - Carrier Pigeons
Anthony Azizi	...	Pvt. Nat Henchman
George Calil	...	Pvt. Lowell R. Hollingshead
Wolf Kahler	...	Gen. von Sybel

Storyline

In 1918 in World War I, in the Meuse-Argonne Sector in France, the former New York lawyer and Major Charles White Whittlesey is assigned by Gen. Robert Alexander to a massive suicidal attack against the German forces in the Argonne Forest with his five-hundred-man battalion. However, the forces supposed to be giving support through the flanks retreat and the communications with the headquarter of the 77th American Division are cut. Major Wittlesey holds his position with his men, mostly Irish, Polish, Italian and Jewish immigrants from New York, surrounded by the German army. Without food, water, ammunition and medical supplies, only two hundred men survive after five days of siege.

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Plot Keywords:

france | argonne | army | u.s. army | trench warfare | 

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Taglines:

Caught between two lines of fire, the Germans gave them two options: surrender or die. They chose a third.

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Genres:

Action | Drama | War

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Certificate:

TV-14

Details

Official Sites:

AandE.com On TV: characters,interviews,photos [United States]

Country:

USA Luxembourg

Language:

English German

Release Date:

2 December 2001 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Lost Battalion

Filming Locations:

Luxembourg

Company Credits

Production Co:

A&E Television Networks, David Gerber Productions, Fox Television Network

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The passage that Whittlesy quotes to comfort the dying soldier with the blood-soaked Bible is Psalm 71:1-5, KJV.

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Goofs

The boots worn in the movie have modern rubber soled treads. This may be seen several times throughout the movie, both on killed and prone soldiers.

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Quotes

Lt. Leak: Morning, sir.
Maj. Whittlesey: We don't salut up here Lieutenant.
Lt. Leak: I'm sorry, sir.
Maj. Whittlesey: My officers of men shave everyday.
Lt. Leak: Oh, I'm sorry, sir.
Maj. Whittlesey: You're sorry about a lot of things.
Lt. Leak: Well, we got up here kinda late yesterday and...
Maj. Whittlesey: Is that and excuse or an explanation? I'm not interested in either on. I want you and your platoon squared away, make sure your men have full rations, plenty of ammo. And wear that uniform properly. Put on dry socks if you have them and straighten your helmet. Oh and Lt. Leak, welcome to the ...

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Connections

Referenced in Laurel Canyon (2002)

User Reviews

I'm Surprised that this wasn't shown on the Big Screen

I must give the staff at the A&E Network thier proper praise, because everytime I watch one of thier origianl movies I'm always left feeling satisfied and entertained. Thier Original films like The Crossing, or Sharpe's Rifles are always on the mark, and never Disapointing. I must say that the A&E Studios is the best made for TV studio -bar none. Movies like the Horatio Hornblower series and this one "The Lost Battalion" are proof that A&E Studios are the best made for TV movie studio on earth. I'm surprised this film wasn't shown on the big screen.This film is easily A&E's most expensive and most elaborate production to date.

This film is a very Brutal look at World War I and It is based on a true story. and by the looks and feel of this film A&E Network spared no expense to get this film right. Rick Schroder gives a very Moving performance(even better than his role in Lonesome Dove)and all the other actors do a magnificent job in this film. The Special Effects are perfect and are comparable to any major big screen war movie I've ever seen(although the jerking/shaking camera shots and the overall dirty gritty feel did remind me of Saving Private Ryan). This film has a very touching human story that make you proud to be an american. I loved this film and I plan to purchase a copy on DVD. Even the Music score is very well done. I would recommend this movie to anyone(except it may not be suitible for young children). this film depicts dealing with losses, trusting in blind faith, and finding the courage to carry on. I cant say enough good about this film. I would have gladly paid to see this in a theater! I gave this film 9 out of 10 stars - a near perfect film.