Actually Rat Patrol is one of the many classic American television series that thrilled its audiences with its exciting show of World War II in North Africa from 1966 to 1968. There was something unique about this action and brotherhood with historical context as the series set the stage for the adventures of a group of Allied soldiers in this creation by Bruce Geller.
A series set during World War II in the North African campaign this was about a special unit of the Allied forces called Rat Patrol. The elite unit consisted of four soldiers mainly disrupting German supply lines and sending out scouting missions through the open deserts of North Africa.
Who were the cast members in Rat Patrol?
- Christopher George as Sergeant Sam Troy.
- Gary Raymond as Lieutenant Jackson.
- Lawrence P. Casey as Corporal John “Vern” Vernet.
- Justin Tarr as Private Moffitt.
- Ernest Borgnine as various characters guest appearances.
This serial is a story of a team of Allied soldiers in North Africa that under various guises carries out secret missions against the Axis forces in World War II.
Where was the Rat Patrol filmed?
Although the Rat Patrol was set in North Africa the show was filmed in the Mohave Desert in California. The location was chosen for a number of reasons:
The desert terrain for Mohave Desert is not much different from where things actually happened in the real war itself North Africa. The open stretches of sandy and rocky bodies unique plants and wildlife give a very authentic setting for the military movements of the show.
Accessibility: The location for shooting was Mohave where the production crew finally gained access to the actual locations of shooting and still maintained the vital atmosphere of danger and wilderness. The easier transportation accessibility of equipment and crew was also very important because a television production needed constant changes in settings.
Cost-Effectiveness: The desert locations in California where most of the shooting was done saved money on the cost for traveling to actual historical sites. More dollars therefore were spent on design for set props and special effects.
The severe arid beauty of the Mohave Desert serves not only as a scenic setting for this series but also speaks to the crux of the war itself contributing to its brutality. The excitement and tension in the character’s campaigns are heightened by this aspect of the life experience.
Review of Rat Patrol Series
Although Rat Patrol received mixed to positive reviews during its own time several critics wrote sharp criticisms of the show’s formulaic plot and over-the-top exploits. Many viewers were able to appreciate the adventurous spirit of the show as well as the likability of its characters.
The series was also especially praised in terms of its unique approach to the telling of World War II history: by revealing the impacts of this global conflict in personal and human rather than in macro-scale terms.
The chemistry that the cast shared was always mentioned in critics’ reviews because viewers responded well to the linear delivery of the show’s efforts as well as conviviality.
Specifically the character of Sergeant Sam Troy played by Christopher George who exuded charisma and leadership. The lighter as well as serious themes of the show were afforded a clear place in the churning frantic television landscape of the day.
Although it only aired for a very short period Rat Patrol did leave more than just a watery trail in terms of leaving some kind of reflection in the minds of viewers; this made it a cult show even after several years.
The show was so thrilling because it was full of adventure and interesting storylines which kept viewers interested since they used to be inspired by heroic stories and sacrifice.
Conclusion
Finally Rat Patrol is also a vital part of television history because it exhibited exciting and challenging war activities in the Mohave Desert.
It therefore continues to inspire many people because of its charming characters interestingly written plots and beautiful filming sites for quite a long period. Tales of Rat Patrol will surely be interesting and motivating even if you are a fanatic for old TV shows and you are just starting watching them.
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