The Desert Rats (1953)

Come out of your holes you desert rats!

The Desert Rats is directed by Robert Wise and written by Richard Murphy. It stars Richard Burton, Robert Newton, Robert Douglas, Torin Thatcher, Chips Rafferty and James Mason. Music is by Leigh Harline and cinematography by Lucien Ballard.

The follow up to The Desert Fox (it's not a sequel) from two years earlier, was in essence an attempt to readdress the balance after The Desert Fox annoyed certain quarters with its admiration for what a great soldier Field Marshal Rommel was. So here we have the battle of Tobruk orchestrated by the astute Robert Wise, the plot is simple, but the characterisations are most certainly not, with lead men Burton and Newton terrific.

This important part of the war is given mature treatment, with the battle sequences realistically staged and the tactical nous of allied force leaders rightly given credence. Sadly Mason is barely in the picture, which is more frustrating when you witness the extended scene that is shared between Mason and Burton, a British film fan's dream right there. While elsewhere it should be noted that this is, perhaps inevitably, not an accurate history lesson, so students of Tobruk don't be basing your thesis on this telling.

Still, a good quality war pic for sure. 7/10

With Rommel (James Mason) bearing down heavily on the beleaguered allied garrison of Tobruk, it falls to "Capt. MacRoberts" (Richard Burton) to try and galvanise some war weary ANZAC troops for one last defence against the wily Desert Fox. He's not exactly puritanical, but he doesn's suffer disobedience and that sets him, initially, against his new troop when he over-reacts to behaviour from their "Lt. Carstairs" (Charles Tingwell). As luck would have it, though, the regimental dipso - "Bartlett" (Robert Newton) just happens to have been the captain's schoolmaster and still commands enough respect with his former pupil to help him see past his red mist, and assist with the increasingly onerous responsibilities heaped upon him and his men as the Nazis get ever closer. I think Mason only does two scenes so doesn't feature much, but the rapport between Burton and the always engaging Newton manages to successfully marry the heroic with the rational, the human with the humane. The constant barrages of artillery fire that pound the very soul from these men is well illustrated with the occasional use of actuality to complement some real desert photography and a solid supporting cast with Torin Thatcher, Chips Rafferty and Robert Douglas helping to present us with an entirely plausible appreciation of just how tough and relentless that North African campaign was.

Movie Review: The Desert Rats (1953) The Desert Rats (1953), directed by Robert Wise, is a war film that brings to life the courage and perseverance of soldiers during the defense of Tobruk in World War II. While the film offers a Hollywood take on this significant chapter of history, it balances its historical inaccuracies with strong performances, especially from Richard Burton and James Mason, making it an engaging watch. The film focuses on British and Australian forces during the North African Campaign. Under the leadership of Colonel Nicholson (Burton), the men of Tobruk are forced to hold their ground against the German Afrika Korps. Burton delivers a commanding performance as the determined and resourceful officer, while Mason plays a seasoned Australian officer with a pragmatic approach to survival. The contrast between their characters adds depth to the film, highlighting different styles of leadership in wartime. While The Desert Rats is grounded in real events, it takes liberties with certain details for dramatic effect. Some historical inaccuracies, particularly in the portrayal of military strategy and characters, may stand out for viewers familiar with the true events. Yet, these deviations do not overshadow the film's core themes or its tribute to the soldiers who fought at Tobruk. The strength of the film lies in its performances. Burton’s intensity as a leader under pressure is a standout, showcasing his ability to portray inner conflict as well as determination. Mason, on the other hand, brings a more reserved, pragmatic energy to the role, creating an interesting dynamic between the two. Their chemistry anchors the film, and the supporting cast, including several skilled character actors, brings authenticity to the portrayal of soldiers from different backgrounds. The film excels in its depiction of the harsh conditions of desert warfare. The desolate landscape is captured with stunning visuals that add to the sense of isolation and danger. The action scenes, though somewhat restrained by the technology of the era, still manage to convey the urgency and peril of the situation. The tension between the soldiers and their German adversaries builds effectively, making for a gripping viewing experience. One of the film’s key strengths is its dialogue, which is filled with memorable lines that reflect the camaraderie, sacrifice, and shared hardships of soldiers in war. The script strikes a balance between the serious nature of combat and moments of levity that allow the characters to showcase their humanity. Conclusion: The Desert Rats is a solid war film that, despite some historical inaccuracies, remains engaging thanks to its strong performances and gripping portrayal of the Siege of Tobruk. Burton and Mason bring depth to their roles, and the film’s realistic depiction of desert warfare adds to its authenticity. While the story may take dramatic liberties, the emotional core of the film stands as a powerful tribute to the soldiers who endured one of World War II’s most challenging campaigns. Rating: 7.5/10