Thunder from the Hill

Written by Edward J. Lakso
Directed by John Peyser
First aired 17-Dec-1963 (Episode 14 of Season 2)
Episode #050 in syndication order

SYNOPSIS:
Hanley and men are sent into German-occupied France to meet with the leader of the Free French Guerrillas. But their guide, Massine, refuses to lead them to their rendezvous unless Hanley helps him raid a German depot. Succumbing to the military blackmail, Hanley helps the resistance fighter procure weapons for his own private war.

REVIEW:
One bayonet for this slow-paced episode that saddles Hanley with another irrational outsider (played by Peter Whitney). Hanley 's supposed ally becomes the major obstacle to completing the mission. For the plot to work, the audience must feel sympathy toward Massine, an annoying character behaving irrationally. I get as frustrated as the Hanley character when I watch this episode.

In the technical aspects, the show is adequate. Some of the camera work in the rock quarry is remarkable. The actors and camera crew setup on a hillside, with lots of loose shale and pebbles for effect. These scenes were shot in a rock quarry at Bronson Canyon.

By second season, director John Peyser has yet to hit his stride as a Combat! director. This show needed a firmer hand behind the camera. Edward J. Lakso 's script is atypical for him. His usual strength is squad interactions, but character development is nearly non-existent for the show's regulars in this story.

NOTES, ODDITIES, AND BLOOPERS:

• One small pigeon makes a meal for four soldiers? Must not be hungry.
• The World War-II era truck is authentic, including the fuel-burning engine.
• When Hanley puts his mind to it, he organizes a great midnight requisition expedition.
• Filmed at Bronson Canyon

CAST: