Lost Command (1966) - film review

Pierre Raspeguy’s dreams of a glittering military career are all but decimated by a disastrous campaign in Indochina.  On his return to France, he persuades his military commanders to give him another chance, to take a battalion of hand-picked man to quell a terrorist uprising in Algeria.  Raspeguy is certain he can redeem himself, but at what cost…?

This blockbuster war film (an adaptation of an acclaimed novel by Jean Lartéguy) comes close to being a classic of its genre, mainly on the strength of its exciting action scenes and stunning panoramic location photography.  What holds it back is a bland script which doesn’t quite get across the motivations and feelings of the characters involved, and which fails to deliver some very potent messages about the nature of the Algerian conflict and colonialism in general (although, to be fair, the film is fairly unbiased and, if anything, paints the French military in a rather bad light.) .  Whilst it is frustrating that the film isn’t a lot smarter than it is, it is still possible to enjoy what it does offer – some great cinematography, a pretty accurate depiction of armed combat, and some engaging performances from an attractive cast which includes some of cinema’s legendary screen actors.

© James Travers 2007

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