THE DIRTY DOZEN (1967). Long (149 min.) W.W.II actioneer directed by Robert Aldrich. In England, shortly before D-Day, maverick Major Lee Marvin obtains the release of 12 assorted, condemned,hard criminals who just might get amnesty if they perform a near-impossible raid behind enemy lines. He trains them in spite of Colonel Robert Ryan's opposition. They play dirty tricks on Ryan and later invade a German-occupied French chateau. Film's constant movement and low humor made it immensely popular. It is still a favorite on TV and video. But to me it looks dated somewhat. It makes us aware of the fantasy and absurdism of its heroics,especially in view of subsequent, more realistic war movies. Good cast includes Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson, Jim Brown, Donald Sutherland, George Kennedy (cast against type as a nice General), Ralph Meeker, Richard Jaeckel, Clint Walker, Trini Lopez. More interestingly, the two best-known Greek-American actors, John Cassavetes and Telly Savalas, are among its players, a coincidence and a unique occurrence. Oscars for Sound Effects, nominations for Best Supporting Actor (Cassavetes), Sound and Editing.