The Desert Rats. (1953) ***1/2; B&W, 88 minutes. Directed by Robert Wise, starring Richard Burton, Robe Newton, Robert Douglas and James Mason, in a story set during the siege of Tobruk. British Captain MacRoberts, played by Burton, takes command of an Australian unit of the 9 Division inside the perimeter. At first he questions their battleworthiness but comes to respect the Australian fighters as a result of his encounters with a kindly Australian boozer, played by Newton.

This was a follow-up to the lavish production The Desert Fox and cast Mason in a reprise of his performance as Rommel in that earlier film.

Good battle scenes. The pipers play Gary Owen as the British relief column lifts the siege during Operation CRUSADER.

Received an Academy Award nomination for "Best Story and Screenplay."