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

"There Are Smiles"
(uncredited)
Composer unknown
Played when the carnival comes to town

User Reviews

An interesting misfire

It is always interesting to see a film like this.It features famous stars in an obscure virtually unseen and forgotten film.Obviously there is a reason for this.That of course is that this is a misfire on every count.After all casting Gladys George as a young nurse!Talk about stretching credulity.Tracy is probably the best of the principals,but needs someone stronger to play off than Tone.The script was worked on by 5 credited writers but who knows how many more had a hand,and it shows.The motivation for many of the characters is totally lacking and all of a sudden they go in a totally different direction.In fact what might be called the turning moment in Tones character is a point in question.He has wanted to desert when he was in boot camp.Faced with a German soldier he puts up his arms and surrenders.he then sees that the German is dead and his shame at his actions then spurs him on to redeem himself with a courageous act.What a lot of nonsense.Anyway to sum up,not a great film,but worth seeing for Tracy.