Posted on 01/12/2005 5:44:22 PM PST by utahguy
Hollywood Depiction of World War ONE: Movies
Since the paint’s dried and I can’t watch the grass grow ‘cause it’s under three foot of snow, I decided to kick this out. From memory only. It’s roughly in order, good to best. Here goes.
Best WWI movies:
“All’s Quiet on the Western Front” (Lew Ayers) The leftist revisionists like to tout this as an anti war movie: I disagree. It does show that war ain’t pretty (duh!) but it’s much more than that. Shown from the side of the Germans, which makes it unique, its core is about everyday life: the highs and lows, the good times and bad, of the common foot soldier. Holds up rather well considering it’s an OLD flick.
“WINGS” 1927 (Clara Bow, Gary Cooper)
I Remember the date only because it was the first film to win an Oscar for best picture. Though it covers the entire front action, it’s the aerial photography of the Dogfights where this shines. Great flick.
“Sargeant York” (Gary Cooper, Walter Brennen)
The true story of Alvin York, the “Audie Murphy” of WWI. Coop at his best. It is a bit dated, and Coops’ Mom’s whiny voice will grate after a bit ( though she’s not in it a whole lot) It’s one of the classics. And as a bonus, it’s one that the liberals HATE.
York starts out a pacifist. He’s sent home from the Army to make a decision. He consults with his Minister, goes to a mountaintop, reads the Bible, prays, reconnects with God and decides to fight. The scene where he flushes out the Germans with a Turkey call is priceless.
“The Lost Battalion” Recent (Rick Schrouder)(sp)
Forgetting that Rick is one of us, this made for TV Movie is a real Gem. Plus I heard a Lib elitist once label it as racist due to the authentic language the troops used describing each other (Wop, Mic . . .. you get the picture)
The true story of the famous “Lost Battalion” in the Ardenne forest. The Camera work is the same as in the “Band of Brothers.” Gritty, Heroic, realistic, against all odds depiction of our brave fighting Men. The latter scene when the Germans attack with flame throwers is gut wrenching. Man those guys had courage.
And now, Gals and Guys, the number one WWI Film: (And it shows you where my head is at :)
BEANS! (Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy.)
Not technically a movie, but a Sennett two reeler.
Stan & Ollie are two grunts in the trenches, digging a tunnel to store supplies.
A shell burst traps them in the tunnel under thousands of cans of beans.
Being Laurel & Hardy, they figure their only means of escape is to eat their way out.
The story ends when Ollie (The fat one) decides to take a break and proceeds to light a cigar. The, er, resulting gas buildup ignites, blowing them out to safety. Stan & Ollie land on their kiesters with cans and beans raining down. Great stuff. :)
I’m sure I missed a bunch. There was one with James Cagney that I can’t remember enough about it to list. If you have any additions, please feel free.
God bless you all
I liked "Lost Battalion". Well worth renting.
"Paths of Glory", 1957, directed by Stanley Kubrick.
The Blue Max - George Peppard, Ursla Andress
The true story of the famous “Lost Battalion” in the Ardenne forest. The Camera work is the same as in the “Band of Brothers.” Gritty, Heroic, realistic, against all odds depiction of our brave fighting Men. The latter scene when the Germans attack with flame throwers is gut wrenching. Man those guys had courage.
The 77th "Liberty" Division - A National Guard Unit that probably fought harder than any other unit in WWI...
Paths of Glory - 1957, with Kirk Douglas - was one of the best.
Blue Max for the aviation shots.
Dawn Patrol.
Rin Tin Tin
Not a movie but the British show Black Adder had it's 4th season set in WW I.
"The Fighting 69th", with James Cagney, Pat O'Brien, Alan Hale.
No. "Paths of Glory" had Kirk Douglas and Adolph Menjou in a story about the French army mutiny of 1915.
“All’s Quiet on the Western Front" (Lew Ayers)
IMO one of the ten best motion pictures ever made.
Good nomination -- another classic.
Don't forget "The Big Parade", 1925, directed by King Vidor, starring John Gilbert. A great silent film about the war.
Thanks for the brain jog!
Yea, now I remember that one: as I recall Ol' George is a real As* hole in the flick. It's a ghood one
Thanks for the additional Information.
I think so, if it was where Cagney at first chickened out,lost his rifle, then at the end fought off an attack.
To read later.
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