(094) Billy the Kid

RATING: 3 bayonets

Lieutenant William Benton, the son of celebrated General Bull Benton, leads a mission to locate of a big artillery piece that is cutting up the American lines. He is accompanied by a surly sergeant. The inexperienced lieutenant's seemingly irrational behavior worries the squad. When battalion pulls back, stranding the squad on the ridge, his Sergeant tries to abandon the mission. "Billy the Kid" finally shares his plan with the squad, destroys the gun, and returns a hero with a now converted, faithful sergeant at his side.

REVIEW:

Andrew Prine is splendid as an artillery lieutenant out to prove himself in "Billy the Kid." Saunders is saddled with this untried officer, unsure whether this son of a famous general knows what he's doing. Spurning the advice of Saunders, "Billy The Kid" makes some odd decisions in the field as he leads the squad on a dangerous mission to destroy a massive German gun.

As usual, Saunders is on an expedition with a sergeant-with-an-attitude. Saunders deals with him by delivering a patented pep talk, non-comm variant. All ends well in this clever script that ties the loose ends neatly together without seeming contrived.

CAST:

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

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