Attack on the Iron Coast takes the basic war movie plot and turns on the autopilot. A group of soldiers under the guidance of Major James Wilson (Lloyd Bridges) must attack a powerful German port. Despite opposition to his plan, which involves turning his boat into a floating timebomb, Wilson maneuvers through the political bureaucracy and organizes the siege. Alas, the movie follows a map that has been used many times before. Due to the lack of surprises I spent most of the running time noting the war movie clichés. Here’s a little checklist to keep in mind if you ever decide to watch this movie – just mark them off when you see them.

1. The introduction of a plan so crazy, so diabolically insane, that anyone who utters its merits will be instantly ostracized by a group of rigid commanders who do not understand the concept of risk!
2. A training accident that brings the entire plan into question and jeopardizes the future of the mission.
3. The gift – the one sentimental item, usually given by a soldier’s sweetheart or wife, that will remind him, in a time of crisis, of what he’s really fighting for.
4. The inexperienced soldier – his youthful bravery will inspire his commanders. No matter how many years they have been in the army, the quivering face of a 16 year old boy will show the officers the true meaning of courage.
5. The "We can’t go ahead with plan now scene"! - Something has threatened the plan’s secrecy and common sense would say, "Turn back!" But they’ve come too far – the plan must go ahead….
6. Mutual admiration between opposing generals. Just before or during the battle, two commanders who have been at odds for the entire film will finally reconcile.
7. The death that will shock everyone! Just when things seem to be going alright, the tide will turn with a surprising death. This death will bring about catastrophic consequences for the band of heroes, but will ultimately force someone to discover the true hero inside them.
8. "The Villains have Won Scene" – hope is lost as the plan deteriorates. Heroes are killed or captured. How can the good guys win now?
9. The noble sacrifice!!!! There’s one way they can win, but it won’t be easy and someone just might have to die in order to ensure that the world will be safe!

Give or take a point or two, these plot points seem to find their way into most generic war films. Attack on the Iron Coast has some technically good scenes, but falls face first into a pit of predictability.