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Objective, Burma! 1945

Action

Adventure

Drama

War

Runtime

142 min

Language

English

Directed by

Raoul Walsh

Made by

Warner Bros.

Test your knowledge of Objective, Burma! with our quiz!

Plot Summary

Discover the intricate plot of Objective, Burma! (1945). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.

In a bold mission, Captain Nelson leads a group of United States Army paratroopers into the unforgiving jungles of Burma, where they are charged with the critical task of eliminating a camouflaged Japanese radar station that threatens Allied air operations into China. This daring operation is accompanied by skilled Gurkha regiment guides, a battle-hardened Chinese Army Captain, and a knowledgeable war correspondent who helps navigate the perilous landscape.

The 36-man team executes their mission with remarkable efficiency, quickly dismantling the radar station and neutralizing its personnel. However, their triumph is short-lived. Upon reaching their extraction point, they are stunned to find that the Japanese have set an ambush. With no rescue planes in sight, Captain Nelson is faced with a heart-rending decision: he must abandon the extraction plan and lead his men to safety on foot.

To evade detection, the group divides into two smaller units, planning to regroup at a secluded village in Burma. Yet when Captain Nelson arrives at the meeting point, he is met with a chilling realization—his other team is missing. The quest for answers brings him to a wounded comrade, Hollis, who grimly discloses that the enemy has overwhelmed and wiped out the other unit.

With heavy hearts, the remaining soldiers must forge ahead. They stumble upon an enemy camp and discover their captured fellow soldiers, brutally tortured and left unrecognizable. Among the survivors is Lt. Jacobs, who is barely alive and pleads with Captain Nelson to end his suffering. As the grim reality settles in, the remaining men are forced to retreat deeper into the perilous jungle in order to avoid being found.

Engaged in a desperate rearguard action, Captain Nelson’s paratroopers unwittingly become decoys, drawing enemy forces away from the forthcoming British invasion of Burma in 1944. Through unwavering determination and strategic cunning, they ultimately reach the invasion force and secure their extraction back to base—having not only accomplished their primary mission but also serving as a crucial diversion against the enemy forces.

Timeline

Track the key events of Objective, Burma! (1945) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.

Mission Initiation

Captain Nelson leads a mission into the jungles of Burma, tasked with eliminating a Japanese radar station. This operation is crucial for protecting Allied air operations into China, and he is accompanied by skilled Gurkha guides and a Chinese Army Captain.

1944 Burma

Infiltration and Execution

The 36-man paratrooper team executes their mission with exceptional efficiency. They quickly dismantle the radar station, showcasing their skills and teamwork as they neutralize its personnel without alerting the enemy.

Japanese radar station, Burma

Ambush at Extraction

Upon reaching the extraction point, the team is horrified to find that the Japanese have laid an ambush. With rescue planes absent, Captain Nelson realizes he must make a difficult decision to lead his men to safety on foot.

Extraction point, Burma

Division of Forces

To elude the enemy, Captain Nelson decides to split his team into two smaller units. They plan to regroup at a remote village, enhancing their chances of survival as they navigate the harsh and dangerous terrain.

Burma

Chilling Discovery

On reaching the meeting point, Captain Nelson is faced with dread when he discovers that his other team is missing. This unsettling realization prompts him to seek out his comrades and uncover the fate of the lost unit.

Secluded village, Burma

Confronting the Reality

Captain Nelson encounters a wounded comrade named Hollis, who reveals the devastating news: the enemy has overpowered and annihilated the other unit. This revelation weighs heavily on the team's morale as they process their grim loss.

Burma

The Enemy Camp

The remaining soldiers discover an enemy camp where they find their captured fellow soldiers. The sight of their comrades, brutally tortured and left unrecognizable, deepens the resolve of the team to escape and regroup.

Enemy camp, Burma

A Plea for Mercy

Among the captives, Lt. Jacobs pleads with Captain Nelson to end his suffering. This heart-wrenching encounter highlights the brutality of war and the difficult choices that soldiers must face under duress.

Enemy camp, Burma

Retreat Deeper into the Jungle

Faced with overwhelming odds, the soldiers are forced to retreat deeper into the inhospitable jungle. Their movement is a tactical response to avoid detection while seeking a way back to safety.

Jungle, Burma

Becoming Decoys

In a desperate rearguard action, Captain Nelson's team inadvertently assumes the role of decoys. Their sacrifice draws enemy forces away from an impending British invasion, demonstrating their strategic significance.

1944 Burma

Meeting the British Invasion Force

Through their determination and cunning, the remaining paratroopers finally locate the British invasion force. This meeting marks a significant turning point for their mission as they prepare for extraction.

Burma

Successful Extraction

Having accomplished their mission, Captain Nelson and his men secure their extraction back to base. They not only successfully neutralized the radar station but also acted as critical diversions against enemy forces.

Burma

Reflection on Sacrifice

As they return to safety, the soldiers reflect on the heavy toll their mission took. They mourn the loss of their comrades and recognize the sacrifices made for the greater good in the theatre of war.

Base, Burma

Characters

Meet the characters that bring Objective, Burma! (1945) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.

Captain Nelson (James Brown)

Captain Nelson is a determined and resourceful leader who navigates the challenges of war with both tactical skill and emotional strength. His leadership is tested when faced with the loss of his men and the moral dilemmas of combat. Through his actions, he embodies the quintessential soldier, dedicated to his mission while caring deeply for his comrades.

🪖 Military Leader 💪 Determined

Setting

Uncover the settings of Objective, Burma! (1945), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.

Time period

1944

The movie takes place during the year 1944, a critical point in World War II when the Allied forces were pushing back against Axis powers across various fronts. This period is marked by intense military operations and strategic maneuvers aimed at regaining control in key regions, including Southeast Asia.

Location

Burma

Burma, also known as Myanmar, is characterized by its dense jungles and challenging terrain. The region is historically significant due to its strategic importance during World War II, serving as a battleground for Allied forces. Its remote and unforgiving landscapes create both natural challenges and hideouts for military operations.

🌴 Jungle 🏕️ Military Base

Themes

Explore the core themes of Objective, Burma! (1945). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.

🎖️

Bravery

The theme of bravery is central to 'Objective, Burma!' as soldiers engage in perilous missions against overwhelming odds. Captain Nelson exemplifies courage as he leads his men through the treacherous jungles, facing ambushes and making life-or-death decisions. Their unwavering spirit showcases the dedication of those who fought valiantly for their cause.

🌍

Sacrifice

Sacrifice is a prevalent theme in the film, as soldiers risk their lives for their comrades and the success of their mission. The heart-wrenching moments, such as the decision to leave behind wounded soldiers, highlight the personal cost of war. The narrative emphasizes how every mission is not just about victory but also about the lives impacted by the choices made.