War Hunt is a 1962 war film directed by Denis Sanders and starring John Saxon, Robert Redford, and Charles Aidman. The film is set during the Korean War and follows the story of Private Roy Loomis (played by Saxon), a new recruit who is sent to the front lines to join a group of soldiers led by Sergeant Raymond Endore (played by Aidman). Private Loomis is an idealistic person who believes in the ideals of patriotism and brotherhood that are often associated with military service.
However, he soon discovers that not all soldiers in his unit share his values. One soldier, Corporal Britt Harris (played by Redford), is a psychotic who goes on one-man patrols at night to kill enemy soldiers. Harris is obsessed with war and killing, and he sees it as an opportunity to prove his worth as a soldier. He is also jealous of Loomis's relationship with an orphan boy who lives near their camp.
The boy is played by Tom Skerritt, in his film debut, and his character is a symbol of innocence and a reminder of the human cost of war. The boy's presence represents the opposing values held by Loomis and Harris. Loomis befriends the boy and develops a paternal relationship with him, while Harris sees him only as a nuisance and a target.
As the conflict intensifies, the tension between Loomis and Harris grows. Loomis is horrified by Harris's actions, and he tries to intervene, but Harris sees him as weak and naive. The two soldiers engage in a psychological battle, each trying to prove their dominance over the other. The conflict reaches a climax when Harris takes the boy on one of his patrols, and Loomis is forced to make a difficult decision that will determine the fate of all three characters.
The film ends with the signing of the Cease-Fire agreement, which brings the fighting to an end. Loomis and Harris come to a final resolution that reflects the themes of the film – the futility of war, the loss of innocence, and the struggle between idealism and cynicism. War Hunt received critical acclaim upon its release and is considered one of the best films about the Korean War.