The Great War

During the final days of the Great War (July 28, 1914, to November 11, 1918), a group of U.S. soldiers embarks on a perilous mission behind enemy lines to rescue a stranded platoon. Just hours before the ceasefire, commanders from both sides persist in launching assaults to secure territory. Captain William Rivers (Bates Wilder), a U.S. Army officer, leads one such ill-fated advance against the German defenses, resulting in catastrophic losses for his entire unit, leaving only a handful of survivors.

In an effort to reclaim some ground, Rivers enlists the help of Private Cardinni (Edgar Damatian) and Pinchelli (Judah McFadden) to outflank the German trenches and eliminate their troops and machine-gun positions. However, this slight tactical gain comes at a tremendous cost. During their confrontation, Rivers’s team encounters some black soldiers, only to learn they face a dire situation as they find themselves stranded far behind enemy lines, their supply routes severed.

This alarming intelligence—that a unit of colored soldiers is isolated and vulnerable—reaches Colonel Jack Morrison (Billy Zane) at U.S. Army HQ in Chaumont on November 9th. He brings the matter to the attention of General Pershing (Ron Perlman), who fears that the colored unit will soon be overwhelmed by German forces eager to reclaim their lost positions prior to the ceasefire. Intent on demonstrating his support for black soldiers, Pershing authorizes a rescue mission.

Reluctantly, Rivers receives orders to lead his platoon on this mission. Despite the prevailing racial tensions within his unit, he assembles a small team consisting of Cardinni, Pinchelli, Corporal Anson Kirby (Andrew Stecker), and O’Malley (Cody Fleury). Notably, Jenkins (Eric M. Johnson), a colored radioman from Rivers’s battalion, volunteers to join the rescue effort. Meanwhile, Captain Hooker (Wade Everett), the battalion’s commanding officer, exhibits his disdain for black soldiers and attempts to dissuade Rivers from proceeding with the mission. In a twist, Pvt. John Cain (Hiram A. Murray), another black soldier, is reassigned to Rivers’s unit as his runner.

As they venture towards the colored unit’s last known position, Rivers and Cain encounter Mary (Jordan McFadden), a Red Cross nurse, who guides them to some wounded soldiers from the same unit. Joseph Le’Fluer (Leonard Searcy) informs them that the remaining men are entrenched atop Hill 473. On their journey, they link up with Captain A.J. Stevens (Jeremy Michael Pereira), who warns that the Germans have been mobilizing artillery and three battalions in front of the hill, suggesting that the attackers might seize the position before the war concludes.

As the mission progresses, tragedy strikes when a stray grenade kills Pinchelli, igniting discontent among the men who question the value of risking lives to save what they perceive as “niggers.” Standing firm, Rivers asserts his commitment to carry out the orders but refuses to force his men to comply. Despite their protests, the unit begrudgingly continues on their path.

Upon locating the colored unit, Rivers communicates with СО Sgt. Perry to relay his orders for their extraction. However, Perry and his men are determined to defend the hill, which they have valiantly held at great cost, losing 27 comrades in the process. Rivers warns them of the imminent German assault and their growing desperation to reclaim the hill. Ultimately, Rivers persuades his men to stay and protect the position, hoping to rescue their colored counterparts and fulfill their mission.

In a dramatic turn, Rivers formulates a defense strategy against the looming German forces. When a German captain approaches with a demand for surrender, Rivers resolutely declines. The German officer informs him that their offensive will begin at dawn, giving Rivers the opportunity for a surprise counterattack that evening, catching the Germans off guard.

Although the U.S. troops inflict severe casualties on the enemy, they quickly deplete their ammunition reserves in the fierce battle that ensues. Tragically, Rivers succumbs to his wounds but manages to hold the hill until 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918, marking the end of the war.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 08:45