Battle of Blood Island (1960)

Directed by Joel Rapp and executive produced by Roger Corman, Battle of Blood Island is a minimalist World War II drama that focuses on psychological tension rather than large-scale combat. Adapted from Philip Roth’s short story Expect the Vandals, originally published in Esquire in December 1958, the film explores the fragile alliance between two American soldiers stranded on a Pacific island.

Plot Summary
After a brutal battle with Japanese forces, only two American GIs survive: Moe (Richard Devon), a cynical loner, and Ken (Ron Gans), a more idealistic soldier. Though they dislike each other, they must cooperate to evade enemy patrols and survive in the jungle. As days pass, paranoia and resentment grow, and the line between ally and enemy begins to blur. The film builds toward a tense, ambiguous conclusion that reflects the psychological toll of war.

Cast Highlights

• Richard Devon as Moe
• Ron Gans (credited as Ron Kennedy) as Ken
• Roger Corman appears briefly as a soldier on a hilltop (uncredited)

Behind-the-Scenes Trivia

• The opening battle scene was created entirely with sound effects—actors mimed gunfire, and the audio was dubbed in later
• The Betty Grable pin-up photo stolen by Moe is a real WWII icon, adding authenticity to the setting
• Despite its war theme, the film is mostly dialogue-driven, with long stretches of introspection and interpersonal conflict
• Corman’s involvement as producer and actor adds to its cult appeal—he’s known as the “king of low-budget movies”

Legacy
Battle of Blood Island is a stark, stripped-down war film that trades spectacle for emotional intensity. Its limited cast and setting make it feel more like a stage play than a traditional combat movie, and its connection to Philip Roth gives it unexpected literary weight.