The Devil's Brigade (1968) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

A divided multinational force survives cancellation and rivalry to become an elite unit through shared combat.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

A Force Without A Battlefield

A multinational commando force is proposed for Norway and assembled at a neglected Montana fort. American and Canadian personnel immediately clash over their different backgrounds.

Key Events

• Commando Force Proposed — A new American-Canadian commando force is proposed for operations in occupied Norway. Location: Britain
• British Selection — A War Department officer is selected to raise the multinational force. Location: Britain
• Arrival in Montana — The force commander arrives at a derelict Montana fort to receive American troops. Location: Fort William Henry Harrison, Montana
• American Recruits Gather — The American contingent arrives, described as jailbirds, misfits, and ne'er-do-wells. Location: Fort William Henry Harrison, Montana

Rivals Become Soldiers

Training exposes the unit's disorder but gradually produces discipline and cohesion. The recruits begin to function as a single commando formation.

Key Events

• Canadian Contingent Arrives — A hand-picked Canadian contingent joins the training camp. Location: Fort William Henry Harrison, Montana
• National Rivalry Erupts — Immediate friction between the American and Canadian troops creates disorder. Location: Fort William Henry Harrison, Montana
• Training Begins — The divided personnel begin demanding commando training under difficult conditions. Location: Fort William Henry Harrison, Montana
• Unit Cohesion Forms — The commander gradually molds the rival contingents into a highly trained unit. Location: Fort William Henry Harrison, Montana

The Mission Disappears

The Norwegian operation is reassigned to British troops, leaving the newly trained brigade without a role. Disbandment threatens to end the unit before it can fight.

Key Events

• Unit Cohesion Forms — The commander gradually molds the rival contingents into a highly trained unit. Location: Fort William Henry Harrison, Montana
• Norway Mission Cancelled — Allied leaders assign the Norwegian missions to British troops instead. Location: Military headquarters
• Disbandment Ordered — The brigade is ordered to disband and its soldiers are to be reassigned. Location: Fort William Henry Harrison, Montana
• Italian Mission Secured — The commander persuades Allied leadership to give the force a chance in Italy. Location: Allied headquarters

The Devils Earn Their Name

A new opportunity in Italy sends the brigade against a German garrison. By capturing the entire town instead of merely reconnoitering it, the unit gains its famous nickname.

Key Events

• Italian Reconnaissance Ordered — The force receives orders to reconnoiter a German garrison in an Italian town. Location: An Italian town
• Town Assault Begins — The force exceeds its reconnaissance orders and attacks the German-held town. Location: An Italian town
• Town Captured — The entire town is captured, demonstrating the brigade's unexpected capability. Location: An Italian town
• Devil Brigade Named — The force earns the nickname The Devil's Brigade after capturing the town. Location: An Italian town
• Mountain Mission Assigned — The brigade receives the difficult task of capturing Monte la Difensa. Location: Allied headquarters

The Impossible Mountain

The brigade attacks Monte la Difensa from its supposedly unclimbable eastern side. After severe losses, it captures the stronghold and opens the way for the Allied advance.

Key Events

• Cliff Route Chosen — The brigade chooses the supposedly unclimbable eastern cliff as its attack route. Location: Monte la Difensa
• Night Cliff Climb — The brigade scales the cliff that German defenders believe cannot be climbed. Location: Eastern cliff of Monte la Difensa
• Stronghold Assault — The unit reaches the summit and attacks the German stronghold despite heavy losses. Location: Monte la Difensa summit
• Allied Advance Continues — The captured stronghold allows the Allied advance north into Italy to continue. Location: Monte la Difensa

Story Breakdown

• Mission And Selection — A commando operation is planned and its commander is selected.
  • Norway Operation — The proposed force is intended for operations in German-occupied Norway.
  • British Recruitment — A War Department officer is chosen to raise the multinational formation.
• Montana Assembly — The new force gathers at a neglected fort with an unconventional American contingent.
  • American Misfits — The American troops are presented as jailbirds, ne'er-do-wells, and misfits.
  • Canadian Arrival — A hand-picked Canadian contingent joins the training camp.
• Rivalry And Training — National differences create disorder before discipline gradually produces unity.
  • National Friction — American and Canadian personnel immediately clash after meeting.
  • Unit Cohesion — Training molds the divided personnel into a capable commando unit.
• Lost Norwegian Mission — The force's original purpose disappears after Allied leaders change their plans.
  • British Reassignment — The Norwegian missions are offered to British troops instead.
  • Disbandment Threat — The brigade is ordered to disband and its personnel reassigned.
• Italian Breakthrough — A new Italian mission gives the brigade an opportunity to prove itself.
  • Town Reconnaissance — The force is ordered to reconnoiter a German garrison.
  • Town Capture — The brigade captures the entire town and earns its nickname.
• Monte La Difensa — The brigade undertakes its most difficult assault and enables further Allied movement.
  • Cliffside Approach — The unit scales the supposedly unclimbable eastern side of the mountain.
  • Stronghold Captured — Despite considerable losses, the brigade takes the summit stronghold.

Directed by

Andrew V. McLaglen

Key Cast

• William Holden — Lt. Col. Robert T. Frederick
• Cliff Robertson — Major Alan Crown
• Vince Edwards — Major Cliff Bricker
• Andrew Prine — Pvt. Theodore Ransom
• Jeremy Slate — Sgt. Pat O'Neill