Plot Summary: As D-Day approaches, Colonel Breed hands the roguish Major Reisman (Lee Marvin) an important assignment: He must train a team of soldiers to parachute across enemy lines and assassinate German personnel at a French chateau. The soldiers, recruited from murderers, rapists and criminals on death row, are promised commuted sentences. In spite of their history, the 12 men prove a spirited and courageous unit. Led by Major Reisman, they will exact revenge.
*Recognition: Nominated for Best Supporting Actor (John Cassavetes), Film Editing, Sound; Won for Best Sound Effects; 3 Different AFI Lists
What this movie is about?: Redemption of the Irredeemable Anti-Establishment through a "Suicide Mission"
Best Performance: Charles Bronson/Lee Marvin
Best Minor Performance: John Cassavetes/Richard Jaeckel
Most Charismatic Award: Charles Bronson/Telly Savales
Best Scene: Raiding Colonel Breed's Division
Favorite Scene: Raiding Colonel Breed's Division
Most Indelible Moment: Only three survivors in the end/Jefferson is gunned down
Best Line:
- “Killing generals could get to be a habit with me.” Wladsislav
“- Maj. Reisman: [briefing the dozen] And kill any officer in sight.
- Victor Franko: Ours or theirs?”
“You've seen a general inspecting troops before, haven't you? Just walk slow, act dumb, and look stupid!”
Honorable Mention:
“- Col. Everett Dasher Breed: What's your name, soldier?
- Vernon Pinkley: Number two, Sir!”
Funniest Line:
“You've seen a general inspecting troops before, haven't you? Just walk slow, act dumb, and look stupid!”
The Stanley Rubric:
Legacy: 7.5
Impact/Significance: 6.5
Novelty: 7.75
Classic-ness: 7.5
Rewatchability: 6.25
Audience Score: 9
Total: 44.5
Remaining Questions:
None