The setting is an unnamed, Japanese-held island in the Philippines during the second World War. A marine unit arrives to carry out a mission; they will make contact with a Japanese double agent and ultimately work to relay critical information. Hugh O'Brian is Steve Corey, the crusty, tough-as-nails Sergeant and second-in-command who must take charge when the units' captain (Clem Stadler, also the movies' technical advisor) is written out of the story very early on. James Mitchum plays James Grenier, a relatively green radio man who feels ill-prepared for his situation (he was a last-minute replacement for a man who fell sick). Grenier also narrates. And Mickey Rooney is Ernest Wartell, a reliable weapons expert.
Overall, "Ambush Bay" lacks distinction. But whatever it lacks in style and gravitas is compensated by a straightforward, matter-of-fact story (scripted by Marve Feinberg and Ib Melchior) that doesn't get bogged down in messages, subtext, or pretensions of any kind. It's a pretty enjoyable meat-and-potatoes kind of war movie, one with time enough for both adequate action sequences and some character-defining moments for the guys, and Tisa Chang as Miyazaki, the contact unknown by the heroes to be a female. O'Brian and Rooney are fine, Mitchum less effective. Grenier is the type of character who will be seen as annoying and whiny until the inevitable moment near the end where he does redeem himself. Then again, he's not career military like most of the guys; his civilian life didn't get put on hold that long ago. Supporting roles are played by Peter Masterson and Harry Lauter; viewers who've seen enough Filipino exploitation features will recognize Bruno Punzalan, who plays a small part.
Excellent location shooting, a fair amount of gore (albeit with that kind of bright red movie blood we saw so frequently during this era), and rousing music by Richard LaSalle all help in making this reasonably entertaining to watch.
Seven out of 10.
Overall, "Ambush Bay" lacks distinction. But whatever it lacks in style and gravitas is compensated by a straightforward, matter-of-fact story (scripted by Marve Feinberg and Ib Melchior) that doesn't get bogged down in messages, subtext, or pretensions of any kind. It's a pretty enjoyable meat-and-potatoes kind of war movie, one with time enough for both adequate action sequences and some character-defining moments for the guys, and Tisa Chang as Miyazaki, the contact unknown by the heroes to be a female. O'Brian and Rooney are fine, Mitchum less effective. Grenier is the type of character who will be seen as annoying and whiny until the inevitable moment near the end where he does redeem himself. Then again, he's not career military like most of the guys; his civilian life didn't get put on hold that long ago. Supporting roles are played by Peter Masterson and Harry Lauter; viewers who've seen enough Filipino exploitation features will recognize Bruno Punzalan, who plays a small part.
Excellent location shooting, a fair amount of gore (albeit with that kind of bright red movie blood we saw so frequently during this era), and rousing music by Richard LaSalle all help in making this reasonably entertaining to watch.
Seven out of 10.