History,Drama,War
United States of America,Luxembourg
The Lost Battalion is a 2001 made-for-television war drama film directed by Russell Mulcahy. It is based on the real-life events of the 77th Infantry Division during the Meuse-Argonne offensive in World War I.
The film starts with soldiers of the 77th Infantry Division, known as the "Lost Battalion," moving through the Argonne Forest in France. When they suddenly come under heavy German fire, the battalion becomes cut off and trapped behind enemy lines, with no communication and limited ammunition and water.
The battalion is commanded by Major Charles Whittlesey, played by Rick Schroder, who tries to hold the men together, despite the dire situation. The men encounter heavy resistance from the Germans as they fight to hold their position, hoping for relief from their own lines.
As the days pass, the American soldiers face hunger, thirst, and exposure to the elements, as well as enemy artillery and gas attacks. Meanwhile, their commanders on the Allied side struggle to find a way to rescue them without exposing other troops to unnecessary risk.
The film portrays the human cost of war, as soldiers on both sides suffer and die in the brutal conflict. It also highlights the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers, who refuse to give up and fight to the bitter end.
The Lost Battalion received critical acclaim for its faithful retelling of the events and its strong performances. It won a Primetime Emmy award for Outstanding Sound Editing and was nominated for Outstanding Made for Television Movie.
