‘Ice Cold in Alex': Humor and Humanity in the Desert

The battles in North Africa during World War II were more than fighting with weapons; they were saving lives.

Capt. Anson (John Mills) is a little worse for wear, in “Ice Cold in Alex.” Associated British-Pathe/20th Century Fox

NR | 2h 10m | Adventure, Drama, War | 1958

Military men quickly learn that desert training can push even the toughest soldiers to the edge. Temperatures climb until mens’ feet feel like they are cooking inside their boots; water becomes a resource guarded with near-fanatical devotion. Every gulp has to be measured, every drop accounted for, and even the smallest miscalculation can leave a soldier struggling before the day is done.