kcterrell-25046 I have to read Birney's novel, which is a deeply layered story of the recruits of the 3rd Cavalry facing almost certain death trying to subdue the "renegades" remaining on the high plains. The romantic interests in the story add to the drama and the emotional attachment to each soldier. No doubt, General McCabe (Duggan) became the inspiration of Custer's "Little Big Man". Although filmed in 1966, it captures the elements of the 50s westerns with the political statements of the later 60's westerns, where the authority makes decisions not in the best of interests of their own men. So, it is also a bit of a 'tweener, linking the old westerns to the new. Every actor rode his own horse, there didn't seem to be an overuse of stunt men. You have to wonder in the old westerns whether one of the first question of an actor was "can you ride a horse". Because these were expert horsemen, the entire cast. The acting is more than adequate to pull of the difficult multi-layered story. Slim Pickens, in particular, is up to his par in this film, but more serious than in most. A good tale, well crafted by Peckinpagh, and well filmed on location.

kidsrock101 I originally saw this movie back in 1965 when it first came out and I have always had fond memories of it . It is definitely not as substantial as Wild Bunch, Sam P's masterpiece western, but it is an intelligent movie that builds great characters who make up the film.Tom Tryon is good as the maverick Captain who worries more about the lives and survival of his men then the prime directive of the General, played in his great evil fashion by Andrew Duggan. Harve Presnell,as Sol the scout makes a good foil for Tryon as they compete for the love interest,the widow Woodward, played by Senta Berger The standout characters to me are Slim Pickens as the long-suffering sergeant who must mold the misfits into a fighting troop, and a very young, brash James Caan as Dugan, the Irish ne'er do well, who becomes a soldier after all.Because of the time period the Indians are pretty one dimensional and uniform, unlike later movie representations like Little Big Man, but they do pull off clever fighting tactics and the hand to hand combat is fierce for its day.Like later war movies, the enemy is often the high brass or the law, just as much as the opposing forces.I could only find this movie in VHS, so I recorded it on my DVD recorder so I could keep it for posterity.

thinker1691 From the original script of director Sam Peckinpah, who first penned this rousing western tale of Calvary vs Indians arises this movie called " The Glory Guys ". Contrary to other films of the genre, this film allows the Native Americas to win an occasional battle. But other credits supplement it as well. The beautiful outdoors, the exciting bar-room brawl and the spacious land conflict called for by a good script. Within the story of myopic Gen. Frederick McCabe (Andrew Duggan) who seeks a glorious victory over the southwestern tribes at any price, is an inner one dealing with two men Capt. Demas Harrod (Tom Tyron) and Chief of Scouts Sol Rogers, (Harve Presnell) who love the same lovely woman named Louisa Woddard (Senta Berger). Although rivals, they bear a mutual respect for each other. Demas is an experienced officer carrying a bitter grudge against General McCabe who sacrifices his men without compunction. His main concern are his raw recruits who he feels deserve better than to be sacrificial fodder for the general. Rogers seeks to settle down, marry and become a farmer. Slim Pickens plays Sgt. James Gregory and rightly garners much praise for his convincing, steadfast role. James Caan and an equally young Wayne Rogers are impressive and complementary characters in the movie. Their fine acting and the film's dramatic action makes for excellent viewing. The musical score is patriotically stirring and further enhances the movie. Recommended for all interested viewers***

Chris GLORY GUYS is a beautifully photographed Cavalry Western. The Story reminds a lot on John Ford's "Fort Apache". Like in John Fords Masterpiece Glory Guys retells the battle on Little Big Horn but with fictional names and changed locations. Like in Fort Apache the audience see the life in the Fort and the training of the young soldiers. All the Military Aspects and the battle at the end are really a joy to watch. There is another TV- Soap storyline too in that movie. A Woman named Lou Woddard played by the gorgeous Austrian Actress Senta Berger has a love liaison with two men: a Captain Demas Harrod (Tom Tyron) and the scout Sol Rogers (Harve Persnell). Lou Woddard is a very attractive and self confident woman and it's no wonder that two hard guys are fighting for her. Next to this Soap plot line there are some comedy elements with the young recruits. As one of the young soldiers we see a young and good James Caan. So before the battle starts you see a lightweight movie. The battle itself is really amazing and I have to say one of the best Indians against Cavalry Battles ever seen. The Movie is wonderful photographed by James Wong Howe and the Music Score by Riz Ortolani is good too. James Wong Howe was also the photographer for Hud, The Old Man and the See, Funny Lady and many others. Italian Composer Riz Ortolani is still a very active composer mostly for European Productions. Not to forget the realistic looking design and equipment. The Movie is very beautiful and a joy to watch.The Scriptwriter is by nobody else than Sam Peckinpah after the novel of Hoffman Birney and he did some directing too but was replaced later by Arnold Laven. So he is not credited as Director. No wonder this movie has some similarities to Major Dundee. Maybe because of the change of the Director GLORY GUYS have some flaws in the directing style. Next to the training of the recruits and the Love Story there is another Plot line in Glory Guys too: Capt. Harrod has a troubled past with his commanding officer General McCabe. McCabe should represent General Custer and as in the real Battle of Little Big Horn McCabe is making a some mistakes. Andrew Duggan is doing a good job as McCabe but his role is underused in this Movie. IMO the story should have focused more on the McCabe/ Harrod relation and the Military Aspects as on the Love Story.GLORY GUYS is a beautiful and very rare movie. It reminded me a lot on the John Ford Cavalry Western and all the other older Cavalry Movies like "They died with their boots on". Because this Movie includes Aspects of War many would believe in a connection to the Vietnam War. I'm not sure about it and wouldn't say Glory Guys wants to make a statement about it. The Indians are like invisible but very scary enemies. The Soldiers and Officers are just following Orders even if these orders are stupid and would cause their deaths. I liked that they tried to show that even in that period how Soldiers are trying to survive in such a conflict. If you see this movie somewhere screening try to watch it.