Combat! reviews by Jo Davidsmeyer
*
Episodes rated from 0 to 4 bayonets
(093) The Hell Machine
RATING:
3 bayonets
Written by Edward J. Lakso
Directed by John Peyser.
First aired 30-Mar-1965
Episode 28 of Season 3
Guest star Frank Gorshin
SYNOPSIS:
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. Saunders
Rick Jason as Lt. Hanley [does not appear]
Guest Star
Frank Gorshin as Pvt. Gavin
Lou Robb as Lt. Bruner
James Arthur as German Colonel
Gene Benton as Tank Commander
Dick Raymond as German Infantryman
Heinz Sadler as Sgt. Peter
Chris Anders as Lt. Krause
and
Than Wyenn as Captain Beggs
