Too Late the Hero Poster

Too Late the Hero 1970

★ 6.472 votes145 min📅 1970-05-20

"War. It's a dying business."

Directed by Robert Aldrich, *Too Late the Hero (1970)* plunges viewers into the brutal and morally complex world of World War II with a gripping Pacific island setting.

Director: Robert Aldrich

Cast

Michael Caine
Michael Caine
Pvt. Tosh Hearne
Cliff Robertson
Cliff Robertson
Lt. Sam Lawson
Ian Bannen
Ian Bannen
Pvt. Jock Thornton
Harry Andrews
Harry Andrews
Col. Thompson
Denholm Elliott
Denholm Elliott
Captain Hornsby
Ronald Fraser
Ronald Fraser
Private Campbell
Lance Percival
Lance Percival
Cpl. McLean
Percy Herbert
Percy Herbert
Sgt. Johnstone
Sam Kydd
Sam Kydd
C/Sgt.
Patrick Jordan
Patrick Jordan
Sgt. Major

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Too Late the Hero (1970) about?

Set during WWII on a Pacific island, the film follows a British squad led by Lieutenant Stewart (Michael Caine) on a high-stakes mission gone wrong. Pursued by relentless Japanese forces, the soldiers must confront their own fears and find the courage to survive against overwhelming odds.

Who directed Too Late the Hero?

Robert Aldrich directed *Too Late the Hero*, known for his bold and unflinching approach to war films like *The Dirty Dozen*.

Who stars in Too Late the Hero?

The film stars Michael Caine, Cliff Robertson, Ian Bannen, Denholm Elliott, and Ronald Fraser in key roles.

Is Too Late the Hero (1970) worth watching?

With its intense performances and Aldrich's masterful direction, *Too Late the Hero* stands out as a gritty, character-driven war drama. While it may not offer the glamour of typical heroics, its raw authenticity and suspense make it a compelling watch for fans of the genre.

How long is Too Late the Hero?

The runtime for *Too Late the Hero (1970)* is 145 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Too Late the Hero (1970) — Reluctant Heroes in a Gritty WWII Adventure

Directed by Robert Aldrich, *Too Late the Hero (1970)* plunges viewers into the brutal and morally complex world of World War II with a gripping Pacific island setting. The film follows a squad of British soldiers, led by the reluctant Lieutenant Stewart (Michael Caine), who are sent on a treacherous mission behind enemy lines. With their plans unraveling, the soldiers must navigate a landscape of betrayal, exhaustion, and raw survival as Japanese forces close in, determined to stop them from ever returning home.

Set against the unforgiving backdrop of war, the movie explores the fragility of heroism and the cost of duty. With stellar performances from Cliff Robertson, Ian Bannen, and Denholm Elliott, Aldrich crafts a tense, character-driven war drama that keeps you on edge until the final, hard-won moments. The film's tagline, *"War. It's a dying business."*, underscores its bleak yet authentic portrayal of conflict, where even the most ordinary men are forced to defy their instincts and become heroes—if only just in time.