The Dirty Dozen – 1967
Summary and Analysis
Set in the months leading up to the D-Day invasion in World War II, The Dirty Dozen follows Major John Reisman (Lee Marvin), a maverick American officer known for his insubordination and unorthodox tactics. Reisman is assigned a top-secret and highly dangerous mission: to lead a team of twelve military prisoners—each convicted of serious crimes, ranging from murder to insubordination—on a suicidal mission behind enemy lines. Their objective is to infiltrate a heavily guarded château in France, where high-ranking Nazi officers gather, and assassinate as many as possible to disrupt enemy command before the Allied invasion.
Recruitment and Training
Reisman selects twelve convicts from a military prison, each facing either long sentences or the death penalty. Their only hope for commutation is to participate in this dangerous mission and follow orders to the letter.
The group, soon known as "The Dirty Dozen," consists of men with diverse personalities and backgrounds:
• Joseph Wladislaw (Charles Bronson), a former soldier convicted of murder, proves to be level-headed and resourceful.
• Victor Franko (John Cassavetes), a rebellious and street-smart soldier, constantly challenges authority.
• Robert Jefferson (Jim Brown), a strong and determined African American soldier, struggles with racial prejudice but earns his place as a key team member.
• Archer Maggot (Telly Savalas), a religious fanatic and psychotic murderer, becomes a dangerous wildcard in the group.
• Vernon Pinkley (Donald Sutherland), a goofy but surprisingly competent member, provides comic relief.
Reisman enforces a strict training regimen, teaching them survival skills, combat tactics, and teamwork. Despite initial resistance, the men gradually come together under his leadership. A pivotal moment in their training occurs when they successfully humiliate an arrogant regular-army Colonel Breed (Robert Ryan) during war games, proving their unconventional methods can be effective.
The Mission: Behind Enemy Lines
On the night of the operation, the team parachutes behind enemy lines and stealthily approaches the château. Their plan is to rig the château with explosives and trap the Nazi officers inside. As they execute their assault, they eliminate guards and plant explosives, but tensions rise when Maggot, losing his grip on reality, jeopardizes the mission by prematurely killing a German woman and alerting the enemy. A firefight erupts, leading to heavy casualties among the team.
With time running out, Wladislaw, Reisman, and the remaining members carry out the final stage of their mission, sealing the Nazi officers in a bunker and detonating the explosives. Most of the team dies in the ensuing chaos, but Wladislaw, Reisman, and a few others manage to escape.
Aftermath
In the film’s closing scene, only a few of the original "Dozen" survive, and their fate remains ambiguous. Wladislaw, who proved himself as a competent and courageous leader, is seemingly granted his freedom, while Reisman, bruised but victorious, walks away, knowing he successfully completed his deadly task.
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Analysis of The Dirty Dozen
Themes
• Rebellion Against Authority
Major Reisman’s leadership style is at odds with traditional military discipline. His defiance of rigid structures mirrors that of the convicts he commands, making him the only officer who can truly understand and control them. The film suggests that unconventional approaches, while frowned upon, can sometimes be more effective than strict adherence to protocol.
• Redemption and Brotherhood
The prisoners, initially a group of misfits, form a tight-knit unit through shared hardship. Although they are criminals, they demonstrate loyalty, bravery, and even honor, showing that redemption is possible even for those deemed irredeemable.
• The Cost of War
The Dirty Dozen portrays war as brutal and unforgiving. The mission, while ultimately successful, results in the deaths of nearly all involved. The film does not glorify violence but instead highlights its futility and the expendability of soldiers in wartime.
• Moral Ambiguity
Unlike traditional war films where heroes and villains are clearly defined, The Dirty Dozen presents characters with moral complexity. The prisoners are criminals, yet they display heroism, while the traditional military figures, such as Colonel Breed, appear more concerned with hierarchy than the actual war effort.
Character Analysis
• Major Reisman (Lee Marvin): A tough, no-nonsense leader who embodies pragmatism and resilience. His willingness to defy authority makes him the perfect candidate to lead the mission, and his relationship with the "Dozen" is one of mutual respect rather than blind obedience.
• Joseph Wladislaw (Charles Bronson): Perhaps the most "redeemable" of the convicts, Wladislaw is intelligent and loyal, becoming the de facto second-in-command. His survival at the end suggests that his moral code sets him apart from the others.
• Victor Franko (John Cassavetes): A rebellious figure who initially resists authority but ultimately embraces his role in the team. His transformation from self-serving criminal to self-sacrificing soldier highlights the theme of redemption.
• Archer Maggot (Telly Savalas): The most unhinged member of the group, Maggot represents unchecked violence and fanaticism. His actions ultimately jeopardize the mission, reinforcing the idea that not all men can be redeemed.
Cinematic Style and Impact
• Direction and Pacing: Robert Aldrich maintains a balance between action, humor, and tension, making the film engaging despite its long runtime. The pacing builds gradually, with the first half focusing on character development and training, and the second half delivering high-stakes action.
• Cinematography: The use of gritty, realistic visuals enhances the film’s wartime atmosphere. The final battle is particularly well-shot, creating a claustrophobic sense of urgency.
• Score: Frank De Vol’s music captures both the camaraderie and tension of the story, effectively underscoring key moments.
Legacy and Influence
The Dirty Dozen was groundbreaking for its time, blending war and action elements with an anti-establishment attitude. Its influence can be seen in later films like Inglourious Basterds (2009) and Suicide Squad (2016), both of which follow a similar premise of assembling a team of misfits for a near-impossible mission.
Despite its violence and morally complex characters, the film remains a classic, widely regarded as one of the greatest war movies ever made. Its blend of action, character-driven storytelling, and subversive themes set it apart from more traditional war epics of the era.
Full Cast of The Dirty Dozen
Main Cast:
• Lee Marvin as Major John Reisman
• Ernest Borgnine as Major General Sam Worden
• Charles Bronson as Joseph Wladislaw (#9)
• Jim Brown as Robert T. Jefferson (#3)
• John Cassavetes as Victor R. Franko (#11)
• Richard Jaeckel as Sergeant Clyde Bowren
• George Kennedy as Major Max Armbruster
• Trini López as Pedro Jimenez (#10)
• Ralph Meeker as Captain Stuart Kinder
• Robert Ryan as Colonel Everett Dasher Breed
• Telly Savalas as Archer J. Maggot (#8)
• Donald Sutherland as Vernon L. Pinkley (#2)
• Clint Walker as Samson Posey (#1)
• Robert Webber as Brigadier General Denton
• Tom Busby as Milo Vladek (#6)
• Ben Carruthers as Glenn Gilpin (#4)
• Stuart Cooper as Roscoe Lever (#5)
• Colin Maitland as Seth K. Sawyer (#7
• Al Mancini as Tassos R. Bravos (#12)
• Robert Phillips as Corporal Carl Morgan
• George Roubicek as Private Arthur James Gardner
• Thick Wilson as Major General Worden's Aide
• Dora Reisser as German Officer's Girl
Additional Cast:
• Michael Anthony as German Officer in Staff Car (uncredited)
• Leo Britt as German General in Staff Car (uncredited)
• Alan Chuntz as French Servant (uncredited)
• Gary Files as Ambulance Driver (uncredited)
• Judith Furse as Drunken General's Wife (uncredited)
• Hal Galili as MP Master Sergeant / Hangman (uncredited)
• Romo Gorrara as Airborne Soldier (uncredited)
• Willoughby Gray as German Officer (uncredited)
• Gerard Heinz as Card-Playing German Officer (uncredited)
• John G. Heller as 2nd German Sentry at Chateau (uncredited)
• George Hilsdon as Medical Officer at Hanging (uncredited)
• John Hollis as German Porter at Chateau (uncredited)
• Alf Joint as German Sentry Wanting Light (uncredited)
• Juba Kennerley as German Officer (uncredited)
• Hildegard Knef as Undetermined (uncredited)
• Ann Lancaster as Prostitute (uncredited)
• Richard Marner as German Sentry at Chateau (uncredited)
• Dick Miller as MP at Hanging (uncredited)
• Lionel Murton as MP Lt. Col. in Charge at Hanging (uncredited)
• Suzanne Owens-Duval as Prostitute (uncredited)
• Mike Reid as Sergeant at War Games HQ (uncredited)
• Terry Richards as Staff Sergeant MacIntosh Blake (uncredited)
• Frederick Schiller as Drunken German General (uncredited)
• Richard Shaw as German Officer Who Seals the Bunker (uncredited)
Classic Trailer The Dirty Dozen
Analysis of Robert Aldrich’s Direction in The Dirty Dozen
Robert Aldrich’s direction of The Dirty Dozen is a masterclass in balancing action, character development, and subversive storytelling. Known for his gritty, no-nonsense approach to filmmaking, Aldrich crafted a war movie that defied traditional genre expectations, blending elements of the classic combat film with a rebellious, almost anti-authoritarian spirit. His vision resulted in a film that was not only commercially successful but also influential in redefining how war stories were told in Hollywood.
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Aldrich’s Vision and Style
Aldrich was never a director to follow conventional storytelling norms, and The Dirty Dozen is a prime example of his willingness to push boundaries. The film is structured in a way that prioritizes character over immediate action, devoting a significant portion of its runtime to the training and development of the titular team before launching into the mission itself. This choice allows the audience to invest in each character, making the stakes of their final mission feel all the more intense and tragic.
• Realism and Brutality: Aldrich doesn’t romanticize war. Instead, he presents it as a brutal, chaotic, and morally ambiguous endeavor. The violence in The Dirty Dozen is raw and uncompromising, foreshadowing the grittier war films that would come later, such as Apocalypse Now (1979) and Platoon (1986).
• Subversion of Military Hierarchy: Aldrich highlights the hypocrisy and incompetence within the military’s rigid structure. Through Major Reisman (Lee Marvin), he presents an officer who succeeds not because he adheres to military tradition, but because he defies it. Reisman’s methods are unconventional, and the men he leads are outcasts, yet they prove to be more effective than the traditional military forces, challenging the viewer’s perception of heroism.
• Anti-Establishment Themes: The film can be seen as a response to the growing anti-establishment sentiments of the 1960s. By focusing on a group of criminals-turned-soldiers, Aldrich challenges the notion that only rule-following patriots can be heroes. The convicts in The Dirty Dozen—while flawed—demonstrate courage, intelligence, and self-sacrifice, qualities that the rigid military brass often lacks.
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Character-Driven Direction
Aldrich’s handling of character is one of the film’s strongest elements. Despite the large ensemble cast, he ensures that each member of "The Dirty Dozen" has a distinct personality and purpose within the story.
• Major John Reisman (Lee Marvin): Aldrich’s decision to cast Marvin was perfect for the role. Marvin’s grizzled, authoritative presence brings a level of authenticity to Reisman, who acts as both leader and father figure to the convicts. Aldrich directs him with restraint, allowing Marvin’s natural toughness to shine without over-exaggeration.
• Victor Franko (John Cassavetes): Aldrich gives Franko, the film’s most rebellious character, ample screen time to develop. His resistance to authority mirrors Aldrich’s own approach to filmmaking, making him one of the most compelling figures in the story.
• Archer Maggot (Telly Savalas): Unlike the other members of the Dozen, Maggot is irredeemable. Aldrich’s direction ensures that he stands out as a dangerous force within the group, hinting at his instability through subtle cues before finally unleashing his full madness during the mission.
By dedicating nearly half the film to training and character-building, Aldrich allows the audience to care about these men, making their inevitable deaths in the final act hit harder.
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Tension and Action Sequences
Aldrich’s direction in the final mission sequence is masterful, creating one of the most memorable action climaxes in war film history.
• Use of Space and Cinematography: The château assault is staged with remarkable clarity. Aldrich and cinematographer Edward Scaife use deep-focus shots and quick cuts to maintain the geography of the action, ensuring that the audience never feels lost despite the chaos.
• Escalating Tension: The sequence begins with stealth and slow infiltration, gradually ramping up into a full-scale battle. Aldrich carefully paces the mission, making the final explosion all the more impactful.
• Emphasis on Sacrifice: Unlike many war films where heroes emerge unscathed, Aldrich ensures that the cost of the mission is clear. The deaths are not glamorous or heroic; they are brutal and often sudden, reinforcing the film’s message about the expendability of soldiers in war.
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Aldrich’s Legacy and Influence
Aldrich’s work on The Dirty Dozen had a lasting impact on war films and action cinema:
• Influence on Future Films: The film’s mix of camaraderie, anti-authoritarianism, and violent action paved the way for later ensemble war films like Kelly’s Heroes (1970), Inglourious Basterds (2009), and even The Suicide Squad (2021).
• Genre-Blending: By incorporating elements of heist films, prison escape dramas, and action thrillers into a war movie, Aldrich created a film that felt fresh and exciting.
• Unapologetic Grit: The raw, unfiltered approach to violence and military politics was ahead of its time, influencing the way war films would be made in the following decades.
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Conclusion
Robert Aldrich’s direction in The Dirty Dozen is nothing short of brilliant. He crafts a war film that is both thrilling and thought-provoking, rejecting blind patriotism in favor of a more nuanced exploration of war, authority, and redemption. His ability to balance character development with high-octane action, combined with his refusal to adhere to traditional war movie conventions, makes The Dirty Dozen one of the most enduring and influential films of its genre.
Analysis of Lee Marvin’s Stellar Performance
Lee Marvin’s portrayal of Major John Reisman in The Dirty Dozen is a masterclass in restrained yet commanding screen presence. His performance is central to the film’s success, anchoring a story filled with larger-than-life characters, explosive action, and anti-authoritarian themes. Marvin brings a raw, lived-in authenticity to the role, embodying a man who is both hardened by war and deeply skeptical of the military establishment he serves.
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Commanding Yet Subtle Leadership
From the moment Marvin appears on screen, his presence alone establishes Major Reisman as a different kind of officer—one who doesn’t fit neatly into military protocol. Unlike the stiff, regulation-bound superiors around him, Reisman exudes an air of quiet defiance.
• Nonchalant Toughness: Marvin’s performance is marked by an effortless toughness. He doesn’t need to bark orders or grandstand to assert control over the misfit soldiers he leads. Instead, his authority is conveyed through his measured voice, piercing stare, and unshakable demeanor—a perfect example of a leader who commands respect without demanding it.
• Understated Rebellion: In many war films of the era, military officers were depicted as either noble heroes or tyrannical taskmasters. Marvin, however, crafts a character who rejects both extremes. Reisman respects discipline but has little patience for blind obedience, and Marvin conveys this through subtle acts—whether it’s a smirk of defiance when dealing with General Worden (Ernest Borgnine) or his casual dismissal of Colonel Breed’s (Robert Ryan) arrogance.
• Realistic Military Demeanor: Having served as a Marine in World War II, Marvin brings an authenticity to his performance that few actors of the time could match. His body language, from the way he handles a cigarette to his effortless posture in tense situations, speaks of someone who has been in combat before. There is no theatricality in his movements—everything he does feels practical, efficient, and battle-worn.
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Complex Relationship with the "Dozen"
One of the most impressive aspects of Marvin’s performance is the gradual shift in his relationship with the prisoners under his command. In the early stages of the film, Reisman treats them with open contempt, seeing them as little more than expendable criminals. However, as the film progresses, a grudging mutual respect develops, though Marvin ensures that Reisman never fully sentimentalizes his men.
• Gruff But Fair Mentorship: Marvin never softens Reisman’s tough exterior, yet he allows moments of restrained camaraderie to seep through. His interactions with Joseph Wladislaw (Charles Bronson) are particularly telling—Reisman sees in him a soldier worth redeeming, but rather than deliver an emotional speech, Marvin conveys this with small, practical gestures, such as trusting Wladislaw with responsibilities.
• Handling of Discipline: One of Marvin’s standout scenes is when Reisman confronts Victor Franko (John Cassavetes), the most rebellious of the prisoners. Rather than yelling or resorting to excessive punishment, Marvin plays it cool and controlled, making it clear that defiance won’t be tolerated, yet never turning Reisman into an outright authoritarian.
• Non-Verbal Chemistry: Marvin’s performance relies heavily on looks and gestures rather than dialogue. When he walks through the barracks, observing his men train, his eyes reveal his inner conflict—he sees potential in them but never lets himself become emotionally attached.
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Execution of the Final Mission
The final mission at the Nazi château is where Marvin’s portrayal reaches its peak. By this point, Reisman is no longer just an officer leading prisoners—he is a man carrying the burden of knowing that most of his men will not survive. Marvin plays this with a quiet intensity, his face betraying the weight of the mission without ever letting it weaken his resolve.
• Efficient and Focused: During the assault, Marvin’s Reisman is completely in his element—issuing commands with a steely calmness and maintaining absolute focus. There’s no excess bravado, no unnecessary theatrics; everything he does is calculated, reinforcing his experience as a soldier who has seen war firsthand.
• Tension in Small Gestures: A particularly telling moment comes when Maggot (Telly Savalas), the most unstable member of the team, endangers the mission. Marvin’s expression alone—a mixture of anger, frustration, and inevitability—conveys that he saw this coming but hoped it wouldn’t happen. He doesn’t overact; instead, he lets the moment land with a resigned intensity.
• The Last Stand: As the mission reaches its climax, Marvin plays Reisman with a matter-of-fact acceptance of war’s brutality. Even as his men fall, he never panics or loses focus. The subtlety of his expressions, the tension in his jaw, and the controlled urgency of his actions make his performance in these final moments unforgettable.
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The Legacy of Marvin’s Performance
Lee Marvin’s work in The Dirty Dozen set the standard for realistic, unglamorized war heroes. His portrayal of Major Reisman influenced countless later performances in war and action films, including:
• Clint Eastwood in Where Eagles Dare (1968) – A similarly cold, tactical commander.
• Harrison Ford in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) – The mix of no-nonsense authority and sardonic wit mirrors Marvin’s Reisman.
• Tommy Lee Jones in The Fugitive (1993) – Jones’ portrayal of a relentless yet morally complex leader carries echoes of Marvin’s restrained intensity.
• Brad Pitt in Fury (2014) – A hardened, battle-worn leader whose tough exterior masks a deep understanding of war’s cost.
Notable Movie Quotes
Major John Reisman (Lee Marvin):
• "I never went in for embroidery, just results."
• "You've seen a general inspecting troops before, haven't you? Just walk slow, act dumb, and look stupid!"
• "You know what to do: feed the French and shoot the Germans!"
Victor R. Franko (John Cassavetes):
• "Hey! What's the matter with you? You think I want to die? Ha! If you think that, then you don't know Victor Franko."
Samson Posey (Clint Walker):
• "I reckon the folks'd be a sight happier if I died like a soldier. Can't say I would."
Joseph T. Wladislaw (Charles Bronson):
• "Killin' generals could get to be a habit with me."
Archer J. Maggot (Telly Savalas):
• "It's judgment day, sinners! Come out, come out, wherever you are!"
Classic Scenes from The Dirty Dozen (1967)
The Dirty Dozen is packed with memorable scenes that showcase its blend of action, tension, and dark humor. Below are some of the most iconic moments that define the film’s legacy.
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The "Names and Numbers" Roll Call
Scene: Major Reisman meets the convicts for the first time and assigns them numbers.
This is the moment where the audience is introduced to "The Dirty Dozen" as individuals, each with their own personality and backstory. Major John Reisman (Lee Marvin) methodically assigns numbers to each of the prisoners, reducing them from men to mere units in a war machine.
• Why It’s Classic: This scene establishes the group dynamic and sets up the rebellious, reluctant nature of the squad. John Cassavetes' Victor Franko immediately pushes back, signaling the tensions that will drive much of the film. Marvin’s calm yet authoritative handling of the men makes it clear he is in control, even if they don’t realize it yet.
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War Games & The Mock General Inspection
Scene: The Dirty Dozen humiliates Colonel Breed during a training exercise.
As part of their preparation, the Dozen must prove themselves by participating in a war game against regular troops. Instead of following traditional military tactics, Reisman instructs his men to use their criminal ingenuity. The highlight is Donald Sutherland’s character, Vernon Pinkley, impersonating a general and making an absolute mockery of Colonel Breed (Robert Ryan).
• Why It’s Classic: This scene is one of the film’s best moments of humor and rebellion. It showcases how the Dozen, despite being criminals, are creative and resourceful, capable of outwitting the rigid military system that condemned them.
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Jim Brown’s Death Run
Scene: Jefferson sprints through gunfire to complete the mission.
During the climax, Jefferson (Jim Brown) is tasked with throwing grenades into the air vents of the Nazi-filled bunker before making a desperate run for his life. Despite his athleticism and determination, he is gunned down before he can escape.
• Why It’s Classic: This scene is both thrilling and tragic, marking one of the film’s most intense moments. Jefferson, who faced racism and prejudice throughout the film, ultimately sacrifices himself to complete the mission. Jim Brown’s performance—silent yet powerful—makes this an unforgettable sequence.
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Maggot’s Betrayal and the Firefight in the Château
Scene: Archer Maggot loses control, shooting a German woman and compromising the mission.
One of the most tense moments in the film occurs when Archer J. Maggot (Telly Savalas), the most unstable member of the team, succumbs to his psychotic beliefs. As the team infiltrates the château, Maggot spots a German woman and, driven by his religious fanaticism, murders her, exposing their position and forcing the team into a brutal gunfight.
• Why It’s Classic: Maggot’s betrayal isn’t just a turning point in the mission—it is a culmination of the film’s theme of redemption vs. irredeemability. Unlike the others, Maggot was never meant to be saved, and his actions confirm Reisman’s fears about relying on dangerous men.
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The Explosive Climax – “Burn Them Alive”
Scene: The Dozen trap the Nazi officers inside the bunker and set off the explosives.
As the remaining team members fight their way out, the mission’s final phase is set into motion. The team seals the Nazi officers inside a bunker, where gas and grenades are used to ensure their deaths. Reisman and Wladislaw (Charles Bronson) barely escape as the château is engulfed in flames.
• Why It’s Classic: The final explosion is a brutal, unglorified moment of war. There’s no celebration—just the reality of destruction. The survivors, including Wladislaw and Reisman, do not feel victorious; they are simply among the few left alive.
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The Aftermath – “Who Made It?”
Scene: Reisman and the survivors quietly reflect on the mission.
In the final moments, the surviving soldiers gather, but there’s no sense of triumph—only exhaustion and loss. Wladislaw, having been one of the few to make it out, stands alongside Reisman, who silently processes the carnage.
• Why It’s Classic: Unlike many war films of the time, The Dirty Dozen doesn’t end with a traditional hero’s return. Instead, it leaves the audience with a sobering reminder of war’s cost, reinforcing the film’s anti-war undertones.
Awards and Recognition for The Dirty Dozen
Academy Awards (40th Annual, 1968):
• Won:
o Best Sound Effects: John Poyner
• Nominated:
o Best Supporting Actor: John Cassavetes
o Best Film Editing: Michael Luciano
o Best Sound: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studio Sound Department
Golden Globe Awards (25th Annual, 1968):
• Nominated:
o Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture: John Cassavetes
Directors Guild of America Awards (20th Annual, 1968):
• Nominated:
o Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures: Robert Aldrich
American Cinema Editors Awards (Eddie Awards, 1968):
• Won:
o Best Edited Feature Film: Michael Luciano
Laurel Awards (1968):
• Won:
o Top Action Performance: Lee Marvin
• Nominated:
o Top Action-Drama: The Dirty Dozen
o Top Male Supporting Performance:
John Cassavetes
Jim Brown
Photoplay Awards (1968):
• Won:
o Gold Medal: The Dirty Dozen
American Film Institute Recognition:
• Ranked No. 65 on AFI's 100 Years...100 Thrills list in 2001.