Combat! reviews by Jo Davidsmeyer • Episodes rated from 0 to 4 bayonets

(049) Barrage

RATING:

3 bayonets

Written by Edward J. Lakso
Directed by Sutton Roley

First aired 10-Dec-1963
Episode 13 of Season 2
Production #4955

SYNOPSIS:

After failed night patrols, the squad is ordered to try by daylight patrol to find the artillery that's been tearing apart the American lines. In a suicide mission, all are hurt or killed. A wounded Saunders crawls into a cave, where he finds Hans, a German deserter, who binds Saunders' wounds. When Hans' sergeant arrives, he convinces them that he captured Saunders. When the cave collapses, trapping everyone below, the deserter must decide on his loyalties.

REVIEW:

The episode opens with the squad returning in defeat from a night patrol. Hanley delivers the bad news that they have to go back. When he says "if one of us makes it, our mission will be a success," few viewers to discover that the one who makes it, is Saunders.

Originally titled "The Deserter," this episode shows a man too scared to run and too scared to stand and fight. Swedish actor Alf Kjellin makes his second Combat! appearance as Hans, the German deserter. This role of a cowardly ex-musician, afraid of war and of his sergeant, is a sharp contrast to the confident officer he played in "Just for the Record."

Kjellin and Saunders work well together, creating a fascinating chemistry in their scenes in the cave. Morrow turns in his usual strong job as he makes Saunders carefully exploit Hans' doubts and fears, to Saunders' advantage. Alternately cajoling and commanding, Saunders plays on the musicians emotions.

John Crawford, who plays the German sergeant, is a long-time character actor, working in Hollywood since 1945. He was Sheriff Bridges on "The Waltons," and guested on "Dukes of Hazzard," "Charlie's Angels," "Mission: Impossible," "Star Trek," and many others.

Notes:

• This episode in production was titled "The Deserter." It was re-titled in post-production.
   
• Frank Killmon was paid $200 as a day-player. Contracted work was on September 23, 1963.

See contract of actor Frank Killmon

CAST:

Rick Jason as Lt. Hanley
Vic Morrow as Sgt. Saunders