Customer Reviews

The Steel Claw

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a pretty good movie, considering its story line. Anyway, having spent time in the PI and knowing history of WWII, it is a favorable representation of what may have happened (but it did not) given the circumstances back in 1942. I am glad to have this movie in my collection.

I bought this because I liked George Montgomery in a western, 'Cripple Creek,' shown on cable TV. According to an online biography, he was a successful western and B-movie actor, went on to produce and direct some of his own films, including 'The Steel Claw,' and was Dinah Shore's original long-time husband.

This action-adventure has a passable B-movie plot about a disabled marine on a one-man mission to rescue an officer in the early days of the Japanese invasion of the Phillipines, complete with several love interests and decent supporting character development. While the low-budget production values are hard to overlook, the biggest problem is the poor quality of the transfer to DVD. It looks as bad as many home movies.

If you like this actor, marine corps or WWII stories, or just like to watch a character who never says die, then you could indulge in this bargain-priced DVD. Just don't expect a classic.

1961's 'The Steel Claw' is a wartime drama set in the early weeks of World War II in The Philippines.

The picture is an action-adventure film about a handicapped, recalled-to-the-duty, hard fighting, no-nonsense Marine Corps Captain, John Larsen,(George Montgomery), who is missing one hand, ordered to go on a very dangerous mission.

The Marine Captain's listed mission is to rescue an American Brigadier General held captive by the enemy, and he requires the assistance of the Filipino guerrillas, behind Japanese infested lines, led by 'Santana', played by Mario Barri, who George Montgomery's Captain Larsen does not always get along with, since Santana is more of a shake-down artist, but at the same time is loyal to the cause of liberation of The Philippines from the Jap invaders. Carmen Austin plays the beautiful Rosa, a brave, female Filipino guerrilla leader. This film is also entangled with a love story between Captain Larsen and a Filipino girl.

The capture of a Japanese troop train is very well done, in conjunction with the attack on a Jap-troop base & factory, where the U.S. 'General' is being held captive. The problem is the 'General' turns out being officer-hating rat....nuff said.

I give the picture 3.5 stars for very realistic effort. Apparently the film appears to be completely outdoors in The Philippines, but since there are no half stars a 4 will be sufficient.

The "steel claw" of the title is a hook that the one-handed Captain Larsen fastens onto himself during the movie. The Steel Claw was directed, starred and co-scripted by George Montgomery.