Filmed on the Warner Brothers backlot for about $3.50, this super-cheesy embarrassment has the juvenile sensibility of a beach blanket movie. Much of the film involves horndog soldiers drooling over their various lovers. The script is filled with howlers like the Jewish sergeant Saul (played by Jack Warden!) translating a Hebrew phrase as "from the Jewish." James Garner, in his first starring role, is suitably sober but father-like as Col. Darby. Warden does his reliable sidekick part with professionalism. Scattered through the film are a number of Warner Brothers contract player like Edd Byrnes and a very young Peter Brown. Stuart Whitman has probably the only role of depth as a conflicted (naturally) former pro gambler who falls in love with an upper class Englishwoman. Normally a fine director, William Wellman seems to have directed this movie from the easy chair in his trailer. This movie is a dull, silly effort. Avoid!
Review of Darby's Rangers
