NR | 1h 30m | Adventure, Drama, War | 1953
However, a wartime film unfolding in the Gobi Desert, a sprawling, unforgiving expanse stretching across Northern China and Southern Mongolia, was entirely new territory for me. That was, until I stumbled upon “Destination Gobi” (1953).
A U.S. Navy unit stationed in the middle of the Gobi Desert? The idea sounded almost too outlandish to be true. The movie’s opening credits delivered an enigmatic preface:
“In the Navy records in Washington, there is an obscure entry reading ‘Saddles for Gobi.’ This film is based on the story behind that entry—one of the strangest stories of World War II.”
From the Decks to the Dunes
The film kicks off in a way that feels right at home in any Navy flick. There are sweeping shots of ships gliding through the water, bustling ports teeming with sailors, and a commanding voiceover by Richard Widmark, introducing his character, Chief Petty Officer Samuel T. McHale.
A seasoned Navy man with 16 years under his belt, McHale has spent his career surrounded by steel hulls and rolling waves. He’s fiercely loyal to the USS Enterprise, affectionately referred to as the “Big E,” and assumes he’ll soon be back aboard her soon.
But fate has other plans.
Instead of returning to familiar waters, McHale receives orders to report to Lt. Cmdr. Hobart Wyatt (Russell Collins) for an assignment that leaves him reeling; he’s being sent to the Gobi Desert. The mission? To establish and maintain a remote meteorology station to track weather patterns that will aid Allied forces fighting in the Pacific. The idea of trading sea spray for swirling sandstorms doesn’t sit well with McHale, but orders are orders.
Upon arriving at the desolate outpost, he’s introduced to the ragtag team stationed there. The crew includes Walter Landers (Max Showalter), radioman Elwood Halsey (Martin Milner), and Paul Sabatello (Ross Bagdasarian), the resident Italian-American sailor complete with a thick Brooklyn accent.
Life in the desert is a series of scorching days and bone-chilling nights, punctuated by complaints about their predicament and a mutual longing for home. Then, the landscape shifts, literally and figuratively, when a large Mongol tribe arrives in the area.
Survival in No Man’s Land
A sense of unease lingers throughout the film. This comes not just from the harsh conditions, but from the underlying danger of discovery. The men know they are sitting ducks in an exposed desert, their supplies are limited, and their weapons are hardly sufficient for any large-scale confrontation.Their conversations are filled with both gallows humor and genuine apprehension. They try to maintain their top secret mission while keeping an eye on the distant dunes, hoping they don’t spot an advancing enemy force.
Widmark, a veteran of gritty roles, delivers another solid performance as McHale, playing him as a battle-hardened but reluctantly adaptable leader. His character’s gruff sarcasm makes him the target of playful jabs from the crew, though it’s clear they respect him.
Vye stands out as Kengtu, the Mongol leader whose towering stature and powerful voice make him an imposing figure. Vye’s unique look made him a natural fit for roles depicting foreign warriors or rulers, and it’s hard here to predict whether he’ll be a steadfast ally or a dangerous opponent.
Another highlight is the film’s varied locations. Despite its title, “Destination Gobi” isn’t confined to a single barren stretch of sand. The story takes the characters on an evolving journey, forcing them to adapt as circumstances shift.
“Destination Gobi” doesn’t take a new direction in the war film genre. But its unique premise and solid performances make it a worthwhile watch. The film drops its characters into an environment that feels just as foreign to them as it does to viewers. It also has some positive messages about bridging cultural divides.
If you’re looking for a military adventure that strays from the beaten path, this is a (sandy) journey worth taking.
