Emboscada Fatal

Gripping war drama with a fine performance by Brad Davis. Ranks with many of the best of the Vietnam movie genre (Platoon, Go Tell The Spartans, Gardens of Stone, etc.). Could have easily been a theatrical release.

Released to TV in two parts in 1980, "A Rumor of War" is a film adaption of Phil Caputo's autobiographical 1977 book of the same name. The story chronicles Caputo (Brad Davis) before the war, during officer training and, mostly, his service in Vietnam as a lieutenant from 1965-1968.

The version I've seen (three times) is the original television version, which is 188 minutes, but it might be more like 191 minutes uncompressed. Some say there's a 195-minute version (which is what my VHS says) and this version likely has 4-5 additional minutes with cussing and nudity, which were deleted for TV. This might indicate that the original version was considered for theatrical release.

In any case, "A Rumor of War" is a quality overview of the infamous war, at least as far as one year through the eyes of an initially passionate young officer. The score is great and varied. There are moody parts reminiscent of "Apocalypse Now" (1979) as well as many parts that influenced the later "Platoon" (1986). While it's not as good as those movies it's surprisingly well done and, as my title blurb says, effectively shows the tedium, the horror, the frustration, the slaughter, the sadness and futility of the war.

The last third switches from Caputo being in charge of a platoon in the bush to being "Officer in Charge of the Dead," back at camp where Caputo said senior officers were more worried about trivial matters than strategy, such as casualty stats, movies being played in the open at night, risking mortar attacks, and enemy corpses being displayed as hunting trophies for visiting generals, etc.

You might remember Brad Davis (R.I.P.) from 1978's excellent "Midnight Express." He's formidable as the protagonist and supported by quality actors, like Michael O'Keefe, Keith Carradine and Brian Dennehy. Stacy Keach and Jeff Daniels have glorified cameos. Gail Youngs has the sole mentionable female role.

BOTTOM LINE: "A Rumor of War" isn't bizarre and fantastical like "Apocalypse Now" or over-the-top like "Platoon." It's a thoroughly realistic take on the Vietnam War through the eyes of a green lieutenant and his one-year experience.

The film was shot in Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California, and Mexico.

GRADE: B

This was one of my favorite books when I first read it overseas as a young Marine grunt back in 1978. When I returned stateside just a year later I ,along with seven other Marines from my unit, was chosen to serve as an extra in this Phil Caputo movie which was filmed (mostly) just south of Mexico City. Owning an original VHS copy, I wanted to also obtain a DVD copy of the original cut. The problem is that the DVD copy that I bought online (same that's pictured here on IMDb - not the original cover) is an edited/foreign version with subtitles. Since then I've had my VHS copy burned to DVD, but I wish could find the original cut on DVD (professionally done). Oh, and my other beef with this foreign cut that sells online is that they cut out my only speaking scene with Lt. Cohen (Michael O'Keefe)...sad. Aside from the experience of being in the movie, I really enjoyed the final product as I thought it brought a lot of realism (both Marine Corps and Vietnam) to the screen. If you get a chance to see the original cut, I believe you'll enjoy it as I did.

Found this really neat and tight little tv-production on an old vhs x-rental tape the other day. Wholeheartedly recommendable to anyone with the slightest interest in the psychological aspects of warfare. Hardcore action/shoot 'em up-fans should proceed with care, as emphasis is not on the bodycount...luckily!! Great acting all around...perhaps best of all by the possible "VC-agents" in minor roles. Oh, and Ken Foree...of DAWN O T DEAD fame...does a funny scene as an MP. Danish tape runs a fully 3 hours and some secs(pal system) and a hard find for collectors....I was dirt lucky. Cheers

The movie is a true story. The book gave me bad nightmares, especially the chapter "Officer in Charge of the Dead". Saw it's premiere on TV, which had big time graphic warnings at the end of each commerical break. Sad to say - I doubt the REAL original cut exists. To date I've rented 3 different versions on VHS, none matched the original and one was cut to deliver a different theme - pure butchery. Your experience with this flick will vary wildly, depending upon which release you've happened upon. Probably Brian Denehey's best performance ever. One release I rented cut all the Marine Officer Training school and Ofcr in Charge of the Dead chapters entirely. My advice - read the book, then look for the longest version of this masterpiece that you can find. This sorely needs a restored DVD release. Marine Officer veterans of Vietnam should see this flick, it's the only Vietnam movie that won't leave a bad taste in their mouths. Many fine performances, amazing jungle photography. Fave quote; "You stay here - you learn!"