Once Before I Die Poster

Once Before I Die 1966

★ 2.54 votes97 min📅 1966-12-01

"When the heat of the jungle and the hell of war cross paths"

Set against the brutal backdrop of World War II, *Once Before I Die (1966)* follows Lieutenant Bailey as he leads a desperate escape through the war-torn jungles of the Philippines in late 1941.

Director: John Derek

Cast

Ursula Andress
Ursula Andress
Alex
John Derek
John Derek
Bailey
Richard Jaeckel
Richard Jaeckel
Lt. Custer
Ron Ely
Ron Ely
Soldier
Rod Lauren
Rod Lauren
Captain
Vance Skarstedt

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Once Before I Die (1966) about?

This wartime drama follows Lieutenant Bailey and a group of soldiers trying to escape the Japanese invasion of the Philippines in 1941. Their perilous journey to Manila becomes a test of endurance, as Bailey forms an unlikely connection with a young soldier desperate for one final moment of meaning before death.

Who directed Once Before I Die?

The film was directed by John Derek, known for his work in dramatic and action-packed cinema during the 1960s.

Who stars in Once Before I Die?

The cast features Ursula Andress, John Derek, Richard Jaeckel, Ron Ely, and Rod Lauren in key roles.

Is Once Before I Die (1966) worth watching?

Though unrated on IMDb, *Once Before I Die* offers a raw and emotional take on war, with strong performances and a compelling narrative. Fans of historical dramas and gritty wartime stories will find it a compelling, if underseen, addition to the genre.

How long is Once Before I Die?

The film runs for 97 minutes.

About Once Before I Die (1966) — A Wartime Drama of Survival and Sacrifice in the Philippines

Set against the brutal backdrop of World War II, *Once Before I Die (1966)* follows Lieutenant Bailey as he leads a desperate escape through the war-torn jungles of the Philippines in late 1941. With the Japanese closing in, he must guide a ragtag group of soldiers and their families toward the safety of Manila, all while navigating the moral and emotional minefields of war. Amid the chaos, Bailey forms a poignant bond with a young soldier whose desperate wish for a single moment of intimacy before death adds a layer of raw humanity to the film's harrowing journey.

Directed by John Derek, this dramatic war tale blends suspense with deep emotional stakes, exploring themes of survival, sacrifice, and the fleeting nature of life. The film's intense atmosphere is heightened by powerful performances from stars like Ursula Andress and Richard Jaeckel, making *Once Before I Die* a gripping, thought-provoking wartime drama that lingers long after the credits roll.