STEEL HELMET, THE 303
p. 125). After Fuller submitted a rough cut of the film in November 1950, the DOD
relented and allowed Fuller to use some archival footage.
Production
Using a no- name cast, a plywood tank, stock combat footage, and 25 UCLA stu-
dents playing both American and North Korean soldiers, Sam Fuller shot The Steel
Helmet in 10 days in October 1950. The abbreviated shoot and a very modest pro-
duction bud get ($104,000) called for highly efficient filmmaking (i.e., one or two
takes per shot). Interiors (a simulated Buddhist temple) were filmed in a rented
Hollywood studio, while exteriors were shot in L.A.’s Griffith Park using direct
sound and natu ral light. The only major glitch occurred when actor Steve Brodie
required an emergency appendectomy after collapsing on the set on 14 October
- He returned to the shoot five days later.
Plot Summary
Part of a U.S. Army unit captured, tied up, and then massacred by the North Korean
People’s Army (NKPA), Sgt. Zack (Gene Evans) survives when an enemy bullet
aimed at his head is deflected by his helmet. A South Korean orphan boy (Wil-
liam Chun) happens upon Zack, frees him of his bonds, and tags along thereafter,
despite Zack’s annoyance. Nicknamed “Short Round” by Zack, the boy challenges
American racial bigotry by insisting that Zack refer to him as South Korean, not as
a “gook.” They soon encounter Cpl. Thompson ( James Edwards), an African Amer-
ican medic— also the sole survivor of his unit— before merging with a patrol led
by an untested Lt. Driscoll (Steve Brodie). Racial bigotry is again manifest when
the white soldiers express suspicion that the black medic might be a deserter. Soon,
however, race is rendered a moot point when the squad is pinned down by snipers;
Zack and Nisei Sergeant Tanaka (Richard Loo) join forces to neutralize the enemy
snipers. Thereafter, the small unit sets out to establish an observation post at a
Buddhist temple, but not before one of their number is killed while inspecting
a booby- trapped corpse. They reach the temple but Joe (Sid Melton) is killed that
night by a North Korean major (Harold Fong) hiding inside. Subsequently cap-
tured, the enemy officer tries but fails to win over Thompson and then Tanaka by
pointing out the racism they face in their own country. Sergeant Zack prepares to
take his prisoner of war (POW) back for interrogation, anticipating the reward of
a furlough. Before he leaves, Lt. Driscoll asks to exchange helmets for luck, but
Zack refuses his request. Short Round is the next to die, killed by another sniper.
After the NKPA major mocks the wish that the boy had written down (a prayer to
Buddha that Zack will like him), Zack flies into a rage and shoots his prisoner. The
unit then spots the North Koreans attacking in force, and Driscoll has Pvt. Baldy
(Richard Monahan) call in artillery support. When the enemy soldiers realize that
artillery is being directed from the temple, they attack en masse, supported by a
tank. The Americans repel the assault, but only an obviously shell- shocked Zack,
Tanaka, Thompson, and Baldy survive. When they are relieved, Zack is asked,
“What outfit are you?” He responds simply but grandly: “U.S. infantry.” As they
leave the temple, Zack goes to Driscoll’s grave and exchanges his helmet with the