Combat! (TV Series) Billy the Kid (1965) User Reviews

The Rookie Lieutenant

[claudio_carvalho · 8/10 · 21 April 2018]

A German large cannon is stopping the Allied lines that cannot advance. The location of the cannon is not found by the recon squads since the Germans hide it in different caves. Out of the blue, Saunders´ squad is assigned to follow the rookie Lt. William Benton, who is the son of the famous and respected General Benton and intends to locate the cannon. Lt. Benton comes with the experienced Sgt. Stoner, who was assigned to protect the lieutenant and refers pejoratively to him as "Billy the Kid". When Lt. Benton asks to bring excessive equipment to their mission, Saunders questions but receives no explanation. When they arrive at the location, the stubbornness of Benton causes the death of two soldiers. What is his plan?

"Billy the Kid" is a great episode of "Combat!" with important revelations. Even in times of war, sons of important people have privileges. Sgt. Saunders is the example of the perfect military, following orders and respecting his superior. The conclusion is condescending to Lt. Benton with his plan working out. My vote is eight.

Title (Brazil): "Billy the Kid"

How Intelligence Wins Wars

[jmarchese · 9/10 · 4 September 2014]

"Billy The Kid" is a story about a general's son wishing to prove himself amidst constant harassment over his lieutenant's position and no field experience.

Lieutenant William Benton (excellently played by Andrew Prine) gets all of the easy assignments for his superiors' fear that if he screws up, they'll get revenge from his father, Lieutenant General "Bull" Benton. He leads Saunders & squad into dangerous territory to locate a kingsize German railroad cannon which has been causing American troops a lot of grief. Everyone in the entourage begins to doubt Benton's abilities after The Sarge saves their necks via keen perception.

Bob & Esther Mitchell did a fine job adapting Bivings F. Wallace's story for television while Bernard McEveety did a fine job directing it. There is method of madness to each detail and maybe, just maybe Lieutenant Benton acquired extremely valuable insights from his dad's environment while growing up. The viewer is treated first hand to how army engineers locate, plot out, and attack an enemy position. Heavy artillery scenes are outstanding throughout making me feel I missed out on firing large cannons in my lifetime. And never underestimate the outstanding stunt personnel both German & American who make the series possible. To create effect, one of the Germans does a back flip over a high log which must've hurt.

I found "Billy The Kid" very entertaining, educational, and suspenseful. And Saunders ending line about Billy The Kid is priceless!

Excellent episode

[grantss · 9/10 · 14 June 2022]

Excellent episode, filled with character depth in addition to the usual action. Quite interesting as we see Lt Benton try to move out from his father's shadow.

Skill and heroism

[lor_ · 26 August 2023]

Vic and a fellow sergeant clash with a green lieutenant (well-played by guest star Andrew Prine) who appears to be pig-headed, risking the lives of the troops.

Their mission is dangerous: to set up an observation post in seach of a powerful mobile German artitllery piece that is wreaking havoc. It turns out that Prine has savvy and his plan will bear fruit in foolng the Germans and finding the deadly gun.

Prine is blinded in combat but is extremely brave and equal bravery by Vic's men accompanying him to a cave to wait for the artillery's position to be exposed and blown up. Vic is even braver as he stays behind to mislead the Germans, and the good guys emerge victorious.

A quality drama demonstrating that first impressions can be deceiving.

Excellent outing

[Guad42 · 9/10 · 16 April 2023]

You can always tell classic entertainment because there is a timeless element to it. Combat is roughly sixty years old and it still gets the job done. I enjoyed it as a kid and still enjoy it today.

The plot has been covered by others so a few comments. Andrew Prine as Lt Benton is outstanding. He walks the line between being a gung ho newbie officer trying to prove himself and a man dedicated to accomplishing a tough mission. You will root for the guy. John Milford had a long career playing characters just like the sergeant in this episode. He comes through when it counts. Two excellent guest stars who carry things right along.

I know the last year of Combat! Was done in color but this is one of those shows that just look better in black and white. I highly recommend this episode and the series.