Combat! reviews by Jo
Davidsmeyer
Episodes rated from 0 to 4 bayonets
Thunder from the Hill
Rating:
1 bayonet
Picture above: Jack Hogan, Dick Peabody, and Pierre Jalbert between takes filming the
episode "Thunder from the Hill" in Bronson Canyon, Los Angeles.
Written by Edward J. Lakso
Directed by John Peyser
First aired 17-Dec-1963 (Episode 14 of Season 2)
Episode #050 in syndication order
SYNOPSIS:
Hanley and men are sent into German-occupied France to meet with the leader of the Free
French Guerrillas. But their guide, Massine, refuses to lead them to their rendezvous
unless Hanley helps him raid a German depot. Succumbing to the military blackmail, Hanley
helps the resistance fighter procure weapons for his own private war.
REVIEW:
One bayonet for this slow-paced episode that saddles Hanley with another irrational
outsider (played by Peter Whitney). Hanley 's supposed ally becomes the major obstacle to
completing the mission. For the plot to work, the audience must feel sympathy toward
Massine, an annoying character behaving irrationally. I get as frustrated as the Hanley
character when I watch this episode.
In the technical aspects, the show is adequate. Some of the camera work in the rock
quarry is remarkable. The actors and camera crew setup on a hillside, with lots of loose
shale and pebbles for effect. These scenes were shot in a rock quarry at Bronson Canyon.
By second season, director John Peyser has yet to hit his stride as a Combat!
director. This show needed a firmer hand behind the camera. Edward J. Lakso 's script is
atypical for him. His usual strength is squad interactions, but character development is
nearly non-existent for the show's regulars in this story.
NOTES, ODDITIES, AND BLOOPERS:
- One small pigeon makes a meal for four soldiers? Must not be hungry.
- The World War-II era truck is authentic, including the fuel-burning engine.
- When Hanley puts his mind to it, he organizes a great midnight requisition expedition.
- Filmed at Bronson Canyon
CAST:
Rick Jason as Lt. Hanley
Vic Morrow as Sgt. Saunders
Peter Whitney as Massine
Jack Hogan as Kirby
Pierre Jalbert as Caje
Dick Peabody as Littlejohn
Robert Carricart as Diebold
John Neris as Jean
Ben Wright as Boulange
George Sawaya as Pierre
Jacques Sorel as Andre
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