Once Before I Die
| Once Before I Die | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | John Derek |
| Produced by | John Derek |
| Written by | Vance Skarstedt |
| Starring |
Ursula Andress John Derek Richard Jaeckel |
| Cinematography | Arthur E. Arling |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros./Seven Arts Pictures |
Release dates |
|
Running time | 97 min |
| Country | United States |
Once Before I Die is a 1966 war drama starring Ursula Andress and directed by then-husband John Derek, from whom she was officially divorced before the film was released,[1] and who also appeared in the film. It was based on a 1945 novel Quit for the Next by Lieutenant Anthony March.[2]
In this film, a band of American soldiers and one woman get trapped behind enemy lines in the Philippines after the attack on Pearl Harbor. In harrowing circumstances, they struggle for courage and fight to stay alive.
Summary
Shortly after Pearl Harbor, the Japanese attack the Philippine islands. A group of polo-playing soldiers of the 26th Cavalry Regiment (United States) and their families are surprised far off in the countryside. Major Bailey (John Derek) leads them back to Manila, but the roads are jammed with fugitives.
On the trip, Bailey's fiancée Alex (Ursula Andress) talks with a young shy soldier (Rod Lauren) who tells her of his fears to die and admits that he has never been with a woman. Only once before he dies, he would like to have sex.
Cast
- Ursula Andress as Alex
- John Derek as Bailey
- Richard Jaeckel as Lt. Custer
- Ron Ely as Captain
- Rod Lauren as Soldier
- Vance Skarstedt
- Allen Pinson
- Greg Martin
- Renato Robles
- Fred Galang
- Andres Centenera
- Rod Francisco
- Nello Nayo
- Mario Taquibulos
- Eva Vivar
Production
Once Before I Die was the second directorial effort from John Derek, a photographer and a former actor who finalized his divorce from the film's lead actress Ursula Andress eight months before the its release.
The film was titled The 26th Cavalry in the Philippines. Jock Mahoney makes an uncredited appearance in the film.
During the filming Rod Lauren met Filipino actress Nida Blanca, whom he later married.
See also
References
- ↑ Harrison Carroll (May 30, 1966). "Behind the Scenes in Hollywood". The Kokomo Morning Times.
- ↑ http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,797449,00.html?iid=chix-sphere