The Errol Flynn Blog

Here are some even better ones- a SOULFUL look into the way of a Warrior Filmmaker:

Thomas P. McNulty 5.0 out of 5 stars A heartfelt, rewarding film!

Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2011

Some years back Jack Marino set out with a troupe of actors to make “Forgotten Heroes” on a shoestring budget. Jack had relocated to Los Angeles to fulfill his dream of becoming an actor and film director. Jack had once met actor Paul Sorvino in Boston and Sorvino told him, “You need to have the heart of a rhinoceros to make it as an actor in Hollywood.” These prophetic words would stay with Jack as he ventured into the world of acting and directing.

Born with a creative talent that he most certainly inherited from his father, a sculptor of immense talent, Jack always had a knack for role playing. And he loved old films, especially those Warner Brothers classics from the 30s and 40s. Jack wanted to make films that inspired people, that told a good story in an entertaining way, and left people feeling good about themselves and their country.

“Forgotten Heroes” involves a platoon sent to make contact with a defecting Russian general, expertly played by veteran character actor William Smith. Contacting him turns out to be the mission’s easy part; getting him back to the American base is another matter. The platoon is besieged by angry Russian commandos intent on stopping the defection. The soldiers here are presented as caring, vibrant individuals, intent on completing their mission and getting home. The joke and argue and dream and even die together. They are heroic without flamboyance, willing to sacrifice themselves to benefit others. The actors work hard to attain a level of believability. They are assisted by top-flight direction and each supporting player easily establishes his characters identity. The soundtrack, editing, and cinematography are excellent, easily evoking a time and place. The musical score by Will Schaefer under Buddy Baker’s supervision is superb. The actions scenes and gun battles are professionally choreographed.

Working from a script by Bud Fleisher and Larry Duhart based on a story by Jack Marino (who is also featured in a small role), the principal cast turned in solid performances. Kudos to William Smith, Joel Weiss, Michael Thomas, Gary Stockton, John Osborne, Bob Orwig, Rick Massery, Bobby Johnston, Johnnie Johnson, David Campbell, Mark Archuleta, and Denis de Boisblanc. Ultimately, “Forgotten Heroes” is a heartfelt and solid film, certainly better than many of the Internet based Indie films on display in today’s crowded market. If this is what Jack Marino and company can do with limited resources then it’s obvious he can only excel with a bigger budget.

When I spoke with Jack recently, he reminisced about Paul Sorvino’s comment: “At the time I thought it was just another flippant answer actors say on TV or in interviews. I was a young idealistic actor at the time with a lot of confidence. After all of these years I now know exactly what he meant. Now I have lived it.” Indeed he has, and Jack Marino’s charisma, energy and talent have not waned in the intervening years. Once again controlling the film’s distribution rights, Jack is promoting the DVD release of “Forgotten Heroes” while preparing for future projects. He has the heart of a rhinoceros.