It is really amazing what you can find by just surfing around the net when there is nothing better to do. This movie ( available only in VHS )is one of those gems from the '50s do exist in the cyber markets.. I hope would be released in DVD soon.
It started with the departure of Gen. McArthur to Australia, leaving our country's defenses in shambles. All American forces were told either to surrender or hide in the mountains until the tide of war will shift in favour of the Allies..
The start of the story captured accurately the tension filled days as the Americans were burning all papers, maps, etc. so the Japs will not find anything they could use. Ramsey ( Tyrone Power) decided to to stay in Leyte.
Then, he made an attempt to follow McArthur to Australia. For transport, he set up a small banca filled with provisions ( including a small piglet ). The banca has outriggers plus a sail..But the boat was very small for a Phil-Australian voyage.
There was a small farewell party at the shore as the banca started drifting to the sea. All were waving and bidding farewells and blowing good luck kisses to the travelers.. Women placed leis on the travelers necks, just like in Hawaii.
Fifteen minutes later, a strong wind blew across the sea and the banca capsized. The party on the shore were screaming at the calamity. All occupants started swimming back to the shore. The first to arrive was the piglet, all wet and frisky, looking for something to eat. One observer said: "He is the most sensible passenger of that banca!"
It was non stop suspense and action from that point. Especially when the Japs arrived and started a cat-and-mouse pursuit with the guerillas. There are many unforgettable scenes. Like that time when one American fugitive was hiding under a bush while a Jap was close by looking for him. All of a sudden, the fugitive felt something in his bare feet. He happened to be close to an ant hill, and the ants started feasting on his white feet with their mandibles. Ouch!
The relentless Japanese pursuer was played by Cris de Vera. I was still very young and impressionable when I saw this movie. I was mildly traumatized when I saw him interrogate a rich Haciendero who harboured Ramsey for a bit. The way he slapped him made me think that Japs are cruel people.
The climax of the film took place in a church where the guerillas were hiding. The pursuers learned their prey was inside the church from a kid. The Japanese commandant saw the kid was eating something. He smiled at the kid and checked what he was eating. It was a US made chocolate bar.
Then there was the chase inside the church, and the shoot out in the church yard. Finally, alleluia! There were planes droning over head and they belonged to Uncle Sam.
The ending scenes showed a clip of Gen. McArthur waving to the Filino crowd in Layte, and also Tyrone Powwer, opening coke bottle with an opener hidden in his blet buckle.
This movie beats the crop of war movies that came out recently. A title worth waiting for----#
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