I literally hadn't seen this film since my teenage years (when it originally aired) until now (2006), when it replayed on cable TV. The main cast included some of the most popular young actors of that time (the late 60's) -- and though the acting, direction and script aren't the finest work you'll ever see, it spoke to the youth of that day.

The United States was fighting an unpopular war in Vietnam -- and this film focused on the confusion and waste that surrounded the Civil War. The result was to create a direct parallel between that historical war and the (then) current situation. And believe me, we got it! The deaths of six of the seven young men who went to war was found tragic by the audience -- who immediately compared it to deaths of friends and family.

My sister and I just reflected on how popular the theme of desertion was in the 60's and 70's -- while men ran to Canada to avoid the draft. It seems odd now to watch a Civil War film where the protagonist deserts, but it was perfect in 1968! An interesting movie that's certainly worth seeing -- it features a young (pre-Godfather) James Caan. And another then unknown young actor by the name of Harrison Ford!

The book by Will Henry is absolutely terrific. A joy to read; the laconic dialog is realistic, hilarious ... and poignant. The book is available for cheap on eBay and other sites and I recommend it. Of the seven Concho County boys, Buck is drawn most fully; the others are tantalizing sketches. I saw this movie on TV years ago and I'm amazed at its unavailability on video/DVD, esp. given the "future-star" status of its cast. I most remember the stoic Buck soldiering on as each of his friends/comrades met his fate. The naive perception of war by the young finds itself face to to face with reality in this story. It is believable to think that many of the kids who fought in the Civil War marched off with these kinds of notions in their minds.