IMDb >
They Gave Him a Gun (1937)
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user reviewsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThey Gave Him a Gun (1937) More at IMDbPro »
Overview
User Rating:
Your Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
7 May 1937 (USA)
more
Plot:
Jimmy is drafted and ends up in Fred's troop on his way to Europe. Jimmy becomes vicious with his gun...
more
| add synopsis
User Reviews:
Tracy the Great
more (5 total)
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 |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
94 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Sound System)
Certification:
Finland:K-16 |
USA:Approved (PCA #3262)
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Soundtrack:
A Love Song of Long Ago
more
FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (5 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for They Gave Him a Gun (1937)Recommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp | Johnny Got His Gun | Midnight Court | Manhattan Melodrama | Born to Gamble |
|
IMDb User Rating: |
IMDb User Rating: |
IMDb User Rating: |
IMDb User Rating: |
IMDb User Rating: |
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| IMDb Crime section | IMDb USA section | Add this title to MyMovies |
They Gave Him a Gun (1937)
** 1/2 (out of 4)
MGM melodrama about two men, Fred (Spencer Tracy) a strong independent type and Jimmy (Franchot Tone) a rather weak one. The two met up in the Army and both fall in love with the same woman (Gladys George) but she eventually goes with Jimmy. After the war the two friends catch back up only this time Jimmy has started in with a gangster and it's up to Fred to try and save him. This film offers up some nice performances but the melodrama gets way too thick for its own good. In some ways this is yet another anti-war picture because the film's main message is that the government puts guns into the hands of young men and forces then to kill. Then, when they return home, they might not be able to find jobs so more guns get placed in their hands. That type of message or warning is something interesting but the movie can never really dive into it because we're caught up in a love triangle that we've seen countless times and a rather predictable one as it's simple to see what's going to happen to those involved. Tracy comes across with yet another good performance as the blowhard who will stop at nothing to keep his friend from getting into trouble. Toneis also very good in his role and really manages to come across as a weak, broken man. I wasn't too thrilled with George but God knows I've seen a lot worse. You can also look quick for Joe Sawyer who has a one-line role as a gangster. The movie could have been a lot better considering some of the talent involved but it can never rise above the mediocre screenplay.