Death of a Soldier is a 1986 Australian historicalcrime drama film directed by Philippe Mora and starring James Coburn, Bill Hunter and Reb Brown. It dramatizes of the case of Eddie Leonski (Brown), an American soldier stationed in Australia who committed a string a serial killings in May 1942. The investigation and trial, which was conducted by U.S. military authorities instead of Australian civil ones, contributed to the development of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, but also inflamed Australian-American relations during the war.
In early 1942, U.S. Army Private Eddie Leonski is deployed to Camp Pell in Melbourne, Australia. The American military presence in the city causes tension with the local, exasperated by the rambunctious behavior of the American servicemen in the local nightlife. Leonski begins murdering women, compelled by a psychotic desire to “take their voices”. Because the murders occur during nightly brownouts, he becomes known as “The Brownout Killer”.
The killing of Australian civilians by an American serviceman further enflames tensions, even after Leonski is caught, culminating in a violent riot. His defense attorney, Major Patrick Dannenberg, attempts to argue an insanity defense, especially after learning that Leonski's psychosis was likely triggered by a neurological condition caused by years of childhood abuse, exasperated by his alcohol consumption.
However, US high command is insistent that Leonski face the death penalty, wanting to preserve the already-fragile US-Australian alliance. In the end, Leonski is hanged after the personal intervention of General MacArthur prevents an appeal.
Cast
James Coburn as Maj. Patrick Dannenberg (based on Ira C. Rothgerber[2])
The idea of making the film came from William Nagle, who wrote a screenplay to produce himself; David Hannay came on board as co-producer. American director Dick Richards was originally meant to direct, but then Philippe Mora became involved. Mora and the producers wanted to import Americans to play three roles: Leonski, his best friend Gallo and lawyer Danneberg; Actors Equity only agreed to two.[1] At one stage, it was announced that the movie would be called Leonski and be shot in August 1981 with Don Lane as a US Army major.[3]
James Coburn had previously turned down a role in Mora’s The Return of Captain Invincible, before he was cast as Major Dannenberg. His character is largely based on the real Leonski’s defense attorney, Ira C. Rothgerber, though Rothgerber was “a short 29-year-old second lieutenant in the Army” when the real trial took place. A character named "Sgt. Rothberger" was added to the film as a nod to him.
Under the working title War Story, filming took place on-location in Melbourne. The producers were able to film the trial and hanging scenes in the real locations where they occurred. Ira Rothgerber served as a technical and historical consultant. At the time, the film drew some controversy over its claim that Douglas MacArthur had directly interceded to ensure Leonski’s hanging in order to preserve US-Australian relations. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Rothgerber said MacArthur could have stopped the hanging and didn’t, though he doubted that MacArthur played quite as active a role in the case as the movie depicts.[2]
One of the most controversial scenes in the film depicts the Battle of Brisbane, a violent riot involving American servicemen and Australian servicemen and civilians, which caused one casualty and hundreds of injuries. News of the incident was quickly suppressed by authorities in both countries, for fear it would damage morale.
The budget was originally meant to be $3 million but this was found to be inadequate during shooting and additional funds had to be raised. To save money the shooting schedule was reduced; some of the crew complained to the Australian Theatrical and Amusement Employees' Association, which put a black ban on the film. This meant it was a year before the film was released in Australia.[1]
Reception
Kevin Thomas of The Los Angeles Times praised it. He liked the acting and directing. His consensus is that "it's a suspense story that culminates into a good courtroom drama, a wry commentary on chronic American arrogance and a large-scale, meticulously detailed period piece."[4]
Richard Brier of The Guardian liked it and said "it's a tense and gripping drama that allows both Coburn and Brown to display their considerable acting talents in a well-made, literate and hard-hitting film."[5]
William Wolf in his review published in The Reporter Dispatch gave it three out four stars. He felt the weak link was the script failing to explain the lawyers devotion to protect an accused killer. He wrote that "director Philippe Mora provides a colorful, convincing atmosphere of Melbourne during the war. The film gains from committed acting, whether in the supporting roles or star performances."[6]
Ed Blank of The Pittsburgh Press gave it three stars and a half out of five. He said "it's a fast sit, with an engrossing story a fascinating central character." He felt the script was its weakest aspect but praised the acting of its cast especially of its lead Reb Brown.[7]
Marylynn Urrichio, in her Pittsburgh Post-Gazette review, felt the movie lacked of tension and while ambitious the screenplay didn't live up up to its full potential. However she said that the film is worth seeing for its acting, unusual story, photography and the issues being covered.[8]
Steve Hopgood of North Dorset Western Gazette said also felt the script was predictable. He added that it started slow but picks up the pace. He praised the direction, and the acting especially of James Coburn.[9]
Terry Lawson of Dayton Daily News said he felt on the negative side the movie was too woeful, a bit inadequate in military justice, and ran out of steam toward the end. On the positive side he praised the lead actors, the director's capability of capturing the atmosphere of war and bring out the best out of his actors. His conclusion was it "is well-meaning and unexploitive portrait of an intriguing time."[10]
Cast response
James Coburn later said, "It wasn't very good. There were a lot of problems with the picture. For one thing we had an auteur producer. He was also the screenwriter. He wrote it too much like a comic strip. We also had a lot of auteurs working on the fucking thing. The director didn't have enough time to prepare it. I was very disappointed by the way it turned out. It was a hellava good story. It's too bad."[11]
The Devil Strikes at Night - a 1957 West German film, also based on the case of a World War II serviceman accused of murder, who is convicted despite evidence of mental instability, due to the political circumstances.
