Danger is no stranger to a Ranger | Darby's Rangers [VHS]

WW II War Drama | Darby's Rangers [VHS] | James Garner, Etchika Choureau

vhs video:


	• Darby's Rangers [VHS] James Garner, Etchika Choureau Warner Home Video, 1995 average customer review:based on 10 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

Good Movie about a true war event

Unlike the 1star reviewer who did not like this old flick...this is a good tale of war based on a true wartime event and the formation of the now famous Army Rangers........and to correct 1star, the final quote in the movie is "Hey look at that Ranger Patch" followed by a smart salute of Colonel Darby by the commander of the passing troops.

Danger is no stranger to a Ranger

MEN of true grit and derring do, Darby's Rangers is the Hollywood version of the true story of the American Airborne Ranger battalion formed during the dark days of WW2 and trained initially by the elite British Commandos. The Commandos were formed by PM Winston Churchill to conduct covert warfare behind enemy lines with as Churchill put it, "an iron hand to pluck the german sentries from their posts".

The Rangers too saw much action in WW2. Their most famous raid being during D-Day when they climbed the cliffs of Pinte du Hoc under heavy enemy fire from a well dug in enemy. It was a nearly 100-meter-high cliff, with perpendicular sides jutting out into the Channel. It looked down on Utah Beach to the left and Omaha Beach to the right. There were six 155mm cannon in heavily reinforced concrete bunkers that were capable of hitting either beach with their big shells. On the outermost edge of the cliff, the Germans had an elaborate, well-protected outpost, where the spotters had a perfect view and could call back coordinates to the gunners at the 155s. Those guns had to be neutralized. The Rangers successfully neutralised the target which was a threat to the allied amphibious assault.

World War II was largely responsible for Darby's rapid promotion to the grade of lieutenant colonel. Darby (8 February 1911 - 30 April 1945) was with the first U.S. troops sent to Northern Ireland at the outbreak of WW2. There, he became interested in the British Commandos. This resulted in his assignment to direct the organization and training of the US Army Ranger units.

"Darby's Rangers" trained with their British counterparts in Scotland at the Commando Training Center in Achnacarry Castle in a very remote and rugged part of Scotland, near Spean Bridge. I have hiked all around there. My good friend, Herbert Walton, served with No.1 Commando in WW2.

In 1943, the 1st Ranger Battalion made its first assault at Arzew, North Africa. Darby was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for his actions during that operation.

The following is from the citation presented:

"Lt. Col. Darby struck with his force with complete surprise at dawn in the rear of a strongly fortified enemy position. Always conspicuously at the head of his troops, he personally led assaults against the enemy line in the face of heavy machine gun and artillery fire, establishing the fury of the Ranger attack by his skillful employment of hand grenades in close quarter fighting. On March 22, Lt. Col. Darby directed his battalion in advance on Bon Hamean, capturing prisoners and destroying a battery of self propelled artillery."

On 30 April 1945, while Darby was issuing orders for the attack on Trento to cut off a German retreat, an 88mm shell burst in the middle of the assembled officers and NCOs, killing Darby and a sergeant while wounding several others. Relying on the inspiration of their late commander, "Task Force Darby" continued on with their mission. Two days later, on 2 May 1945, all German forces in Italy surrendered.

Camp Darby near Fort Benning Georgia is named in honour of Brigadier General Darby.

for more information click here

WW II War Drama

It's your basic WW II building, training and going into combat movie.
I like this movie very much. The entire cast does a first rate job.

for more information click here

Search Ends With Amazon

I had looked for this movie for atleast 20 yrs without any luck. I never thought of Amazon! Being the daughter of a "Ranger", I wanted to read how it all started. Loved the movie!

Depicts the gallant exploits of the American Rangers and their leader, Colonel William Darby, as he leads his men through the landing assault on North Africa and the invasion of Italy. Suggested by the book by Major James Altieri.

reviews: page 1, 2

hot