They Gave Him a Gun (1937)

Jimmy is drafted and ends up in Fred's troop on his way to Europe. Jimmy becomes vicious with his gun, wins a medal, and weds Fred's nurse girlfriend, Rose. Back home years later, Rose ... See full summary »

Director:

W.S. Van Dyke

Writers:

William J. Cowen (book), Cyril Hume,

Stars:

Spencer Tracy, Gladys George, Franchot Tone

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Spencer Tracy	...	Fred P. Willis
Gladys George	...	Rose Duffy
Franchot Tone	...	James 'Jimmy' Davis
Edgar Dearing	...	Sgt. Meadowlark
Mary Treen	...	Saxe (as Mary Lou Treen)
Cliff Edwards	...	Laro
Charles Trowbridge	...	Judge

Storyline

Jimmy is drafted and ends up in Fred's troop on his way to Europe. Jimmy becomes vicious with his gun, wins a medal, and weds Fred's nurse girlfriend, Rose. Back home years later, Rose discovers Jimmy is a gangster, has him arrested, and finds a job in Fred's circus as Jimmy escapes, determined to kill Fred.

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Plot Keywords:

gangster | nurse | claim in title | new york city | soldier | 

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Genres:

Crime | Drama

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

7 May 1937 (USA)

Also Known As:

On lui donna un fusil

Filming Locations:

La Jolla, San Diego, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

94 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

During the movie, the rifle range scene was for real. The studio probably had help from the U.S. Government.

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Quotes

Fred P. Willis: Don't you know us guys has gotta make the world safe for the Democrats? Now, personally, my only regret is that I got a life to lay down for my country. But will us dead have died in vain? Be yourself! Remember the Alamo! Remember the Maine! Fifty-four Forty or fight! Don't give up the ship until you see the whites of their eyes! Are we gonna stand for taxation without the pursuit of happiness? E pluribus unum! Hats off! Lafayette, we are here!
[whistles]

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Soundtracks

"I Don't Want to Get Well"
(uncredited)
Composer unknown
Sung by Franchot Tone to nurse Gladys George

User Reviews

Flawed but Fascinating Look at Van Dyke's Style

There's no doubt that W.S. Van Dyke was capable of great direction, and therefore it's frustrating that he made so few first rate movies. This one consistently has great scenes followed by duds. Gladys George is woefully miscast as a young nurse but gives a good performance; Franchot Tone, also miscast, makes a strong impression that works too hard against his weak character. Tracy is fine as always as the stiffly moral pal. Great photography, exciting war scenes, excellent montages by Slavko Vorkapich.