I thoroughly enjoy a good old war film. Films such as Raoul Walsh’s gritty 1945 picture OBJECTIVE BURMA are still top notch entertainment as as exciting today as when I first saw it. Likewise for THIRTY SECONDS OVER TOKYO (1944) – a terrific picture and still one of the all time special effects film greats. Although absent of any visual effects, John Frankenheimer’s enormously exciting 1965 epic THE TRAIN is outstanding, both narratively and in the jaw dropping full scale physical effects sequences which include the destruction of an entire railroad shunting yard among other things. TORA, TORA, TORA is another one of those great films that succeeds in spite of a non-big shot cast – and is all the better for it. The full size mechanical effects in this show easily out shadow the many miniatures, and are among the most frightening physical effects of their type – and if you don’t know what I mean, take a look at the runway bombing sequence where the revving propellor blade on the exploding American (Mustang?) fighter literally ‘flies’ off the drive shaft and richochets across the tarmac filled with terrified extras and stunt guys! Jesus H. Christ! …(And to be sure you see it the editor cuts that shot into the subsequent action some three times). What follows are many good examples of the art of the visual effects cinematographer, miniaturist and more often than not, the matte artist in assembling thrilling war time drama.. … so many great films and memorable shots…
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A Tribute to Golden Era Special FX
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