With that set of figures, and the “Real Characters” logo, am I right in thinking that this is meant to be tied in to the 1943 Humphrey Bogart movie Sahara? I know the plot involves various nationalities of Allied soldiers fighting with Bogey and his M3 Lee to survive against the Germans and the desert. I’ve not seen it, but I want to watch it now.
Not sure that the American commander on the box art looks a lot like Bogart, but then he doesn’t in this movie poster either.
Edit: definitely correct, Lulubelle is the tank in the film.
Actually the 1995 remake starred John’s brother Jim Belushi. That is definitely Jim Belushi in the middle on the box art. Miniart probably didn’t want to pay the Bogart estate royalties to use his likeness. I really like both versions of the film. I would have preferred Bogey in the kit though. That would have been the ultimate of cool. I am definitely buying one of these! It will be my first attempt at figures in 20 years!
Oh, that is quite disappointing, I agree that would have been very nice and might even have tempted me into actually purchasing a 1/35 scale kit for the first time in years. I think the 90s remake passed me by. Clearly I am living in the past.
Still, it is interesting the mix of figures that this has thrown up.
I was going to say that you’ve got the wrong Belushi as Jim was a stout guy and probably had 40 lbs on that guy, but hey, Jim it is. The movie tie-in is unique and intriguing. Anyways, I’m thrilled with the release of a new modern M3 as I’ve only got the “interesting” Academy kit to work with currently. And that one is a Grant. The figures are a nice touch, as is the choice of tracks.
Lets see now. LuLubell, Fury, the Nazi M47’s from the Battle of the Bulge.and the tank from Kelly’s Heros. What is next the tank From Indiana Jones? I’m game!
The Masterbox figures are based on the Belushi version. Note the guy with the wide brimmed hat.
Me, I want Bogie’s version - one of the best films of the wartime propoganda era…
The immortal line from the film:
“It’s like a dame. But no dame ever said anything as sweet as this motor’s going to sound to us when she gets rollin’.”
I feel the need to add this one to the stash. I haven’t seen the latest movie yet but the old one is king. Long weekend coming up again so I need to check out the new movie, for inspiration of course.
After seeing the 1943 version of the movie like 50 years ago in black & white at grandmother’s house I’ve finally learned the name of the M3 Lee movie!
My grandmother hated war and war movies with a red hot passion after losing a son in WW2. She liked Bogart…that finally explains why she watched Sahara.
I don’t know about Bogart, but I know mine stabbed herself in the nose with a forkful of food when Robert Mitchum walked into the restaurant she was eating in.
is tea ready yet?
