In occupied France, Lt. Hanley, Sgt. Saunders and their squad release a small village from the Germans and celebrate with the resident. When they are leaving the village, the thirteen year-old French orphan Gilbert Barole tries to join the squad to fight Germans. However, Lt. Hanley asks Caje to politely explain the boy that he is too young to fight. However, Gilbert follows the squad and when Lt. Hanley is wounded, Saunders and Caje ask the boy to take Hanley back to the village. Along their journey, they stumble upon a German squad and Gilbert hides Lt. Hanley under the bush. Then he distract the Germans to turn them away from Hanley. A German soldier gives chocolate to him and shows the photo of his daughter. When they leave the place, Gilbert takes Hanley to his home. But the Germans come to the village to ambush the American soldiers. Now Gilbert seek the squad out to let them know the danger and to learn that war is not a game.
"The Volunteer" is a very sad and dramatic episode of "Combat!". Directed by Robert Altman, there are moments of tension and the participation of the Frence boy is heartbreaking but never corny. Rick Jason has a great performance together with Serge Prieur in his only role in the cinema. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "O Voluntário Francês" ("The French Volunteer")
"The Volunteer" is a very sad and dramatic episode of "Combat!". Directed by Robert Altman, there are moments of tension and the participation of the Frence boy is heartbreaking but never corny. Rick Jason has a great performance together with Serge Prieur in his only role in the cinema. My vote is eight.
Title (Brazil): "O Voluntário Francês" ("The French Volunteer")