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Hail the Conquering Hero (1944)

 -  Comedy | War  -  9 August 1944 (USA)
7.7
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Ratings: 7.7/10 from 2,376 users  
Reviews: 33 user | 25 critic

Having been discharged from the Marines for a hayfever condition before ever seeing action, Woodrow Lafayette Pershing Truesmith (Eddie Bracken) delays the return to his hometown, feeling ... See full summary »

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Title: Hail the Conquering Hero (1944)

Hail the Conquering Hero (1944) on IMDb 7.7/10

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Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 3 wins. See more awards »

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Cast

Complete credited cast:
...
Woodrow Truesmith
...
Raymond Walburn ...
Mayor Noble
...
Franklin Pangborn ...
Reception Committee Chairman
Elizabeth Patterson ...
Martha - Libby's Aunt
Georgia Caine ...
Mrs. Truesmith
Al Bridge ...
Political Boss
Freddie Steele ...
Bugsy
Bill Edwards ...
Forrest Noble
Harry Hayden ...
Doc Bissell
Jimmy Conlin ...
Judge Dennis
Jimmie Dundee ...
Cpl. Candida
Edit

Storyline

Having been discharged from the Marines for a hayfever condition before ever seeing action, Woodrow Lafayette Pershing Truesmith (Eddie Bracken) delays the return to his hometown, feeling that he is a failure. While in a moment of melancholy, he meets up with a group of Marines who befriend him and encourage him to return home to his mother by fabricating a story that he was wounded in battle with honorable discharge. They make him wear a uniform complete with medals and is pushed by his new friends into accepting a Hero's welcome when he gets home where he is to be immortalized by a statue that he doesn't want, has songs written about his heroic battle stories, and ends up unwillingly running for mayor. Despite his best efforts to explain the truth, no one will listen. Written by J. Adam Ingle

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN! (original print ad - all caps)

Genres:

Comedy | War

Certificate:

Approved | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

9 August 1944 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Herói de Mentira  »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Western Electric Mirrophonic Recording)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Al Bridge is listed in the credits as the "Political Boss", but he is referred to by first name as "Jake". Jake sends out an enquiry by telegram to the San Diego Marine Base and receives a telegram reply that is addressed to "JACOB F BRIDGE". See more »

Goofs

Camera shadow on the backs of citizens when Woodrow comes out of the house after being nominated for mayor. See more »

Quotes

Political Boss: [telling the mayor that Woodrow will be a write-in candidate] You can take it from me. This is a free country. They can vote for anybody they like.
Mayor Everett D. Noble: But, that's disgraceful!
Political Boss: I know it, but that's how it is - and the way it is, it don't look so good.
Mayor Everett D. Noble: You mean he actually has a chance?
Political Boss: A chance? Did you ever see a snowslide?
See more »

Connections

Referenced in The Big Chill (1983) See more »

Soundtracks

"He's a Jolly Good Fellow"
(uncredited)
Traditional
Played by the band at the railroad station
See more »

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User Reviews

One of the funniest comedies ever made

Brilliant farce with more than a bitter-sweet tang about the attitudes of small town Americans towards the war and the people who served. The dialogue and pacing is first rate and Preston Sturges' stock cast are all excellent, not least Freddie Steele as the slightly dented Bugsy. His performance gives an odd edge to the film, being an awful actor and a poor comedian helps him stand out and appear as someone more real and genuine.

Sturges is Hollywood's most forgotten great director, writer and producer. Even though he shone brightly but briefly he made far superior comedies than Woody Allen's and those are pretty damn good themselves.


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