Combat! episode reviews by Jo
Davidsmeyer
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When their jeep hits a land mine,
Saunders, a tank captain, and Private Gavin attempt to maneuver an abandoned German tank
through enemy territory.
REVIEW:
The budget saved by deleting action
sequences from "Heritage," was spent on "The Hell Machine." Vehicles,
tanks, and extras abound in this high-action episode starring Frank Gorshin as a
washed-out, claustrophobic driver who must bring Saunders and his wounded CO to safety in
a hijacked German tank. The story is completely ridiculous and completely entertaining.
Strong script, well-paced episode, good acting, and even one of Saunders' patented pep
talks.
The heavy equipment and extras cover the hills at Thousand Oaks, where the episode was filmed. This provides wide-open vistas to contrast with the claustrophic interior of the tank. ABOUT FILMING THE EPISODE: When Combat! needed a tank, they contacted the California National Guard. They paid only the costs of the sergeant and major who supervised and operated the tank, along with gasoline and other expenses. The tanks were shipped to location on a flatbed truck. A cold snap hit Los Angeles during filming of this episode. The crew dressed warm to work behind the cameras and the actors bundled themselves in blankets between shots. CAST: Vic Morrow as Sgt. SaundersRick Jason as Lt. Hanley [does not appear] Guest Star Lou Robb as Lt. Bruner Add your own review for The Hell Machine
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Combat! Episodes
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(093) The Hell Machine 
