Force of Arms

William Holden’s sex appeal is a force to be reckoned with in the film Force of Arms. As a lieutenant during World War II, Holden woos WAC Nancy Olson in scenes that are, in my opinion, the most romantic in all of 1950’s cinema. He teases her, flirts with her, embarrasses her and himself, pours out his heart, and yes, overwhelms her until at last she succumbs. Not since that dance in Picnic does anything approach this kind of man/woman tension. Not in many Holden films is the language so seductive.But the movie is more than verbal foreplay. From the start, Holden’s portrayal shows a perfect blend of boldness, self-doubt, cynicism, and gentleness. During the bombing of the church, at the infantry pullout, and in the hospital; Holden’s performance is natural and believable and intelligent; that of a man caught intractably between duty and desire. Some examples? At different times, he says to Olson: “And me without an apple” and “Try putting your arms around me,” and "Are you still my girl?" and “… Not going to lose anything;”and her luminous reaction to each statement shows her growing admiration for a man whose passion and charm finally melt away her resistance. The best is the jeep scene, where Holden reveals in his face, in his deep voice, and in his body language the depth of his feelings.Some other reasons make Force of Arms my favorite Holden movie. Besides the edgy dialog, it has the stirring mandolin of Max Steiner’s music, comic relief from a solid secondary cast, actual combat footage, and an authentic feel about the Liri Valley campaign. Mud, mountain climbing, bivouacs, artillery shelling, and street fighting are depicted realistically in dramatic clip after clip.But it’s Holden who holds this wonderful war story and wonderful love story together. His character is a study in contrasts. Tough as nails with his men in battle, he switches to sweet as chocolate when he’s off-duty in the country.That is not a contradiction, as mentioned by another reviewer. With the exigencies of war, is this duality unusual? He is torn between heart and head, between what he craves in the spunky, honor-bound woman he falls for and what he feels he owes the men who perished in his battalion.Set against the backdrop of the messy invasion that liberated Italy in 1943, his emotional battle dominates this thrilling story. And showcases a very sexy William Holden.

It’s not hard to rate a William Holden movie pretty high even when the vehicle is a bit flawed, but I was impressed by the way I was drawn into the experience of a brave but vulnerable soldier.This was during the Italian campaign toward the end of the war and included a romance with a WAC that seemed destined to be ill-fated—though this proved not to be the case. I could have wished the producer or director had given up pairing Nancy Olsen with Holden at this stage since her looks hadn’t quite kept up to their early promise. Nevertheless the movie held my interest with authentic seeming battle scenes and a GI’s turmoil during that time in history.

Force of Arms is my favorite wartime love story movie. Some state it is only a remake of Ernest Hemmingway's novel "Farewell to Arms" perhaps because both feature a main characater who is disillusioned with war. But I believe this movie stands strong on its own merits.For example, the love story between William Holden and Nancy Olson is credible and the chemistry between them seems real. Holden is obviously the much better actor of the two. His performance in some scenes (ie. the hospital) even exceeds those in the classic film "Sunset Blvd." (whose cast also included Nancy Olson).The script is carefully well written especially the early scenes between Holden and Olson. All the supporting roles are well played especially Frank Lovejoy as the superior officer to Holden's character.This film may not be "epic", but watching it is still a very enjoyable experience.

I have been a fan of William Holden for years. I only saw this movie for the first time last year on TCM. For me this is the best acting I have ever seen with both Holden and Nancy Olsen. The war scenes and the love scenes are so real. Having grown up in the military and being a female I have always loved war romances. I fail to understand why this movie is so under rated. It is so much better than Sunset Blvd. I would recommend this movie for male and female alike. The theme song is beautiful, the chemistry between the two stars is great and all of the supporting actors are so believable.. The script shows that love is possible under the worst of circumstances. William Holden was and still is an American treasure. Buy this and watch it. I have had nothing but great service from Amazon..

Bought this DVD because of William Holden and also Nancy Olsen. Both were in Sunset Blvd. and they had great chemistry together then. This movie is very emotional and Bill Holden, as usual, lives the part - he never just plays a part. It's a wonderful movie and I really got caught up in it.It is just so sad that Bill Holden left us so soon, even if he was not going any more movies at 63, he could have enjoyed his life in Kenya.

I waited a long time for this film to be released on DVD. It does not disappoint - William Holden at his very best!The combat scenes are based on actual battles fought by the famed Texas 36th infantry division during the World War IIItalian campaign. The movie reunites Holden and Nancy Olson after their aborted love affair in "Sunset Boulevard." There is definite chemistry there! Directed by "Casablancs's" Michael Curtiz, the fine script is aided by Max Steiner's music. I confess to being a William Holden "fanatic!" Even so, buy this movie - you'll love it as I do!

This is a wonderful love story and this is coming from a guy who avoids most girly pictures. However, William Holden maintains his manly profile until he meets up with his co-star, Nancy Olsen. She is so pretty and so smart that it would be hard for any man to turn her down. The chemistry between these two different personalities is just perfect. Yes, men will like this movie too because it has war scenes. Great love story!

One of my favourite films from a great war correspondent's story(Richard Tregaski-he wrote Guadalcanal Diary, as well) greatly directed by Michael Curtiz ( Casablanca ) and music by Max Steiner. Two great stars in William Holden and Nancy Olsen with fine supporting cast. Covering a little of some of the toughest fighting in WWII up through the spine of Italy leading to the fall of Rome which overshadowed by the D-day landing. Poorly reviewed by critics who were basically ignorant of its authenticity and a poignant love story to boot.R.T.Duggan

Trama muy dispersa, aceptable

super !

Good