Posted on 01/12/2005 5:44:22 PM PST by utahguy
Hollywood Depiction of World War ONE: Movies
Since the paints dried and I cant watch the grass grow cause its under three foot of snow, I decided to kick this out. From memory only. Its roughly in order, good to best. Here goes.
Best WWI movies:
Alls 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 aint pretty (duh!) but its 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 its 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, its 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 Moms whiny voice will grate after a bit ( though shes not in it a whole lot) Its one of the classics. And as a bonus, its one that the liberals HATE.
York starts out a pacifist. Hes 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. :)
Im sure I missed a bunch. There was one with James Cagney that I cant remember enough about it to list. If you have any additions, please feel free.
God bless you all
It's madame,actually and you're welcome. :-)
I agree about Sgt. York.
One of my very favorite movies of all time!
I don't think I have ever seen a documentary on Sgt. York but I have seen his picture, maybe on FR, and he was fairly handsome.
OOOPS!!!! ---***>>>redfacedutahguy<<<***---
Over the phone my wife is mistaken at times for a guy. She's got a deep voice, and though it's not husky, and rather sexy, she gets the "Mister" tag now and then. p*ss*s her off too.
The Eagle and The Hawk- Frederick March and a very young Cary Grant, 1934.
But you're relatively new here and since a lot of people think that I am a man,when first they read my posts,you shouldn't berate yourself for the mistake. I was just telling you that I'm NOT a man,is all. I'm glad you liked the list...that's all that's important.
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