The Red Beret (1953) ( Paratrooper ) ( Para trooper )

The Red Beret (1953) (DVD) (*)

$21.99

Original Title: Paratrooper
Alternate Title: Para trooper
Language Selections:
English ( Dolby Digital 2.0 )
Spanish ( Dolby Digital 2.0 )
Spanish ( Subtitles )

Product Origin/Format:
Spain ( PAL/Region 0 )

Running Time:
85 min

Aspect Ratio:
Fullscreen

Special Features:
Interactive Menu
Scene Access

Movie filmed in 1953 and produced in:
United Kingdom ( Great Britain, Ireland )

Directed By:
Terence Young

Written By:
Richard Maibaum
Frank S. Nugent

Actors:
Alan Ladd ..... Steve 'Canada' McKendrick
Leo Genn ..... Major J. Snow
Susan Stephen ..... Penny Gardner
Harry Andrews ..... R.S.M. Cameron
Donald Houston ..... Taffy Evans
Anthony Bushell ..... Major General A.B.C. Whiting
Patric Doonan ..... Flash
Stanley Baker ..... Sergeant Breton
Lana Morris ..... Pinky
Tim Turner ..... Rupert
Michael Kelly ..... Corporal Dawes
Anton Diffring ..... The Pole
Thomas Heathcote ..... Alf
Carl Duering ..... Rossi
John Boxer ..... Flight Sgt. Box

Synopsis:

Alan Ladd is the focus of this story based on the wartime raid on the German radar station at Bruneval. The raid was a combined services operation and the 2nd Battalion of the 1st Parachute Brigade was led by Major 'John Frost' (Major Snow). An RAF radar expert, Flight Sergeant C.W.H. Cox (Sergeant Box) accompanied the raiders to tell them what to take back to England.

Steve MacKendrick (Alan Ladd), nicknamed "Canada" because that is where he claims he is from, volunteers in 1940 for the British Army's paratroop school. He obviously has a good deal more background and leadership skills than he lets on. Canada tries to become better acquainted with a pretty parachute rigger named Penny Gardner (Susan Stephen). She is initially put off by his attitude, but they eventually start dating. Both Penny and his new commander, Major Snow (Leo Genn), see potential (and a mystery that does not add up) in him, despite his strong efforts to avoid assuming any responsibility. Canada turns down Snow's offer to send him to officer school. After completing parachute school, Canada's unit goes on a raid (based on real-life Operation Biting) on the German radar station at Bruneval. An RAF radar expert, Sergeant Box, accompanies the raiders to retrieve a key component to take back to England. The mission is a success. Back in England, Canada is recognised by an American airman. He tells Penny that he resigned his commission from the USAAF after ordering his best friend and co-pilot to parachute out their bomber when an experimental rocket got stuck. When his friend's parachute does not open properly and he is killed, Canada blames himself and refuses any responsibility that might endanger anyone's life. When Snow confronts Canada with what he has learned (from a security investigation he ordered), Canada wrongly assumes Penny told what she learned, and breaks up with her. The unit's next operation involves taking and destroying an airfield at Bône during the invasion of North Africa. With Major Snow wounded and the men trapped in a minefield, Canada must risk others to extricate the unit.

Steve MacKendrick, now known as Canada, shows up in 1940 as a volunteer for paratroop school. He obviously has a good deal more background and leadership skills than he lets on. With Major Snow wounded, MacKendrick must assume command if his troop is to survive.

This product was added to our catalog on Thursday 06 June, 2024.