"Mountain Man" is a change of pace in Combat. Though not historically correct (Normandy is flat terrain,) "Mountain Man" gave us a taste of winter and snow. White Rook must find a path through the mountains for hundreds of American troops. They are told the only guide for the job is Francois Perrault (well played by Theodore Bikel,) a loner who survives by trapping and living off the land in the mountains. At first Perrault is hostile toward the squad. But after offered payment and a reassurance there are no Germans in the area, he changes his mind and serves as their guide.
The script is very mediocre and the story drags on - too much walking through the snow. The German hideout seems surreal, as though it was carved into the snow. The Germans would have been more thorough in frisking prisoners and the knife would've been discovered. The Germans were unusually weak in their interrogation of Saunders. Interaction between Perrault and Saunders is excellent, but not enough to carry the episode. We are however treated to world class skiing by Bob Beattie and Pierre Jalbert, former Olympic skiers. For a man 39 years of age, Pierre Jalbert moves like a 20 year old; it's fun to watch.
During the Germans' pursuit they line up with their rifles at reasonably close range; they could have gotten much closer. In any event, how could they all possibly miss? The Germans look very amusing when they need to move sideways through the tighter spots. Why not take off the skis and re-fasten them? When Kirby throws his knee out, why aren't the Germans shooting? There are way too many directorial flaws.
Persistence & determination are once again evident when Saunders has it out with the cynical Francois. Physically, Saunders is no match for Francois, but our ever persistent Sarge finally gets through to him mentally and it's very touching to see. Overall, Caje saves the episode with his great skiing. When I first saw Caje on skis, I broke up laughing because he was that great.