bellino-angelo2014 This is one of my favourite war movies of the '50s, and it's based on a true story.The movie begins in a US Army command where Colonel William Orlando Bardy is assigned as the chief of the first ranger Battalion in 1942 (formed in Scotland), and while the Rangers have tough training, they get along with some lassies. Then they fight successfully in North Africa, Sicily, and Anzio in the Battle of Cisterna (with only 7 men, out of 767, left alive). And, in the end, we see bits of the remaining rangers after war (Darby leaves Anzio boarding a landing craft, and two of the central characters get married to their girlfriends).I loved the cast; James Garner (in his first leading man role) is excellent as Colonel William Orlando Darby, and also Jack Warden as his sidekick, top Sergeant Saul Rosen (who also narrates the movie). And there are some up-and-coming actors; Murray Hamilton as Sims Delancey; Stuart Whitman as Sergeant Hank Bishop, that gets along with proper Wendy Hollister; Corey Allen as the sleazy lover boy that falls for the older Sheila Andrews, the wife of an Archeology professor; Edd Byrnes is good as Lt. Arnold Dittman, and goes to struggle with his girlfriend (Angeline de Lotta)'s illness; and Peter Brown (in one of his first movies) gives his best role to date, especially in the scene when he is conflicted after killing a German sniper.By the way, it's a nice and entertaining World War II movie, and maybe one of the best made in the 1950s! Recommended to all movie buffs like me!

SimonJack "Darby's Rangers" is a good look at the beginning of the U.S. Army Rangers early in World War II. Of course, they have connections to earlier types of specially training units used for specific missions. But this is the story of the formal organization of the first Rangers units. It's based on a 1945 book by Major James J. Altieri, a Ranger veteran. The film shows that the idea for the Rangers came from Darby himself, but it was actually from higher up. But, Col. William Orlando Darby (then a major) was the man chosen to organize and command the first Ranger units. They did this by going to Scotland where they were trained by the British commandos – then the toughest fighting unit in the world. This is a good film that shows the training that was eventually duplicated at the U.S. Army Ranger school in Ft. Benning, GA. The cast all are very good. James Garner plays Darby and jack Warden plays his close confidante and top kick, MSgt. Saul Rosen. He also does some of the narration over film segments. The movie has some top actors in supporting roles Stuart Whitman plays Sgt. Hank Bishop, Murray Hamilton plays Pvt. To Sgt. Sims Delancey, and Edd Byrnes plays Lt. Arnold Dittman. British actor Torin Thatcher is very good as the tough Scot commando training leader, St. McTavish. The film shows the Rangers in some of their actions in World War II. It could have been a much better war film had it stuck to the combat after the training. But, as with many another war movie, this one combines romance – not just one, but a few. Quite a bit of film time is given to these asides, so it diminishes this some as a good war film. Still, it's a good look at the start of the American Army Rangers and their history.

cbobcant This is one of my favor war movies. The story of Darby and his Rangers has a special place for me. This movie shows a man, who is driven to see his idea for a special fighting force come to life. Now there are some things that people see as goofs or problems with this movie. I mean the tanks are not real Panzers, but come on it is the late 50's and making every detail as real as possible is not going to happen because movie budgets are not that big. There are no summer blockbusters and if they are they are few and far between. As to some of the scenes being done on a sound stage in Hollywood again that magic word budget. If you want to enjoy a tale of men in war then this is enjoyment. True James Garner is not on camera all that much well he was in command and you don't see the commander that often in the field. It was nice to see what you would call an ensemble cast in this movie. I know that Edd Byrnes and Peter Brown were the heartthrobs of the movie. Stuart Whitman and Murray Hamilton were the cynic tough guys. Jack Warden was the hard-bitten old veteran from earlier wars. There is the comic relief guys. Of course you have to have the sleazy guy that everybody hates in Corey Allen's character. The Brits, who are old hands at a dirty business. So clichéd it may be but who cares it is a good if not great little war film.

zardoz-13 "Battleground" director William Wellman made several great combat movies, but "Darby's Rangers" is not one of his best. This standard-issue World War II movie deals with the first actual commando force in the United States Army. "Darby's Rangers" is a good adventure movie set against the real-life background of war in North Africa and Italy. Virtually first hour is spent with Darby and his men learning the ropes about commando operations from the British in Scotland. When these G.I. Joes aren't being run ragged by the Brits, they are running British women ragged. The second half of this 121-minute epic follows our heroes into North Africa and they are finally shot to pieces so badly blunting an attack after Anzio that the powers-that-be break up the unit and Darby goes off to the Pentagon. Several familiar faces crop up here including Peter Brown of "Laredo" fame, Ed Byrnes of "77 Sunset Strip," Stuart Whitman, Murray Hamilton, and Jack Warden. Indeed, "Darby's Rangers" is basically a remnant of the 1940s rather than the 1950s. Wellman provides more sexual escapades for these young lions, while Darby (James Garner of "Maverick") leads the attack. You will not find any anti-authority issues in this war movie or soldiers complaining about wanting to kill their officers. Like most World War II movies of the 1950s, we do not get to see the German soldiers, except during an ambush. Meaning, the Germans are depicted as an impersonal enemy. In fact, there are no real emotional villains on the enemy side. Wellman orchestrates several interesting combat sequences, but too many officers parade around unrealistically with their rank displayed on their helmets. One scene here that Sam Fuller used in his classic World War II combat movie "The Big Red One" has troops crossing a road in front of German tanks. As the noisy tanks roll over a hill, the G.I.s slip past it, narrowly missing being hit and escaping the notice of the enemy. Max Steiner provides a suitable martial score to underline the combat scenes. Edd Byrnes is good as a green, shavetail lieutenant who grows up quickly.