Sergeant York (1941)

A marksman is drafted in World War I and ends up becoming one of the most celebrated war heroes.

Director:

Howard Hawks

Writers:

Abem Finkel (original screen play), Harry Chandlee (original screen play)

Stars:

Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, Joan Leslie

Won 2 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Gary Cooper	...	Alvin C. York
Walter Brennan	...	Pastor Rosier Pile
Joan Leslie	...	Gracie Williams
George Tobias	...	'Pusher' Ross
Stanley Ridges	...	Maj. Buxton
Margaret Wycherly	...	Mother York
Ward Bond	...	Ike Botkin
Noah Beery Jr.	...	Buck Lipscomb
June Lockhart	...	Rosie York
Dickie Moore	...	George York
Clem Bevans	...	Zeke
Howard Da Silva	...	Lem (as Howard da Silva)
Charles Trowbridge	...	Cordell Hull
Harvey Stephens	...	Capt. Danforth
David Bruce	...	Bert Thomas

Storyline

Somewhat fictionalized account of the life and war service of Alvin York, who went from humble beginnings to being one of the most celebrated American servicemen to fight in World War I. As depicted in the film, Alvin turned to religion when he was struck by lightning during one of his drunken outings. Alvin took his newfound religion seriously claiming to be a conscientious objector when receiving his draft notice. When that was refused, he joined the infantry where he served with valor, capturing a large number of Germans and saving the lives of many of his men who were under heavy fire.

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Plot Keywords:

u.s. soldier | world war one soldier | western front | hillbilly | infantry | 

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Taglines:

SUPERB! ..MAGNIFICENT! The Picture That Can't Be TOPPED (Print Ad-Berkeley Daily Gazette, ((Berkely, Calif.)) 3 January 1942)

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History | Romance | War

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Certificate:

Passed

Did You Know?

Trivia

Gary Cooper, unable to participate in WWII due to his age and an old injury to his hip, felt strongly that this film was his way of contributing to the cause. Cooper later said, "Sergeant Alvin C. York and I had quite a few things in common, even before I played him in screen. We both were raised in the mountains - Tennessee for him, Montana for me - and learned to ride and shoot as a natural part of growing up. 'Sergeant York' won me an Academy Award, but that's not why it's my favorite film. I liked the role because of the background of the picture, and because I was portraying a good, sound American character."

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Goofs

When Alvin is documenting his earnings in August, 1916, the calendar is off one day. The Calendar for September is correct, but if the two months were viewed together, August 31 and Sept 1st would have both been on a Friday.

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Quotes

'Pusher' Ross: An' you haven't even seen a subway?
Alvin: I ain't never even heerd o' one.
'Pusher' Ross: 'Heerd'? 'heerd' What kind o' talk is that? Do they all talk that kind of English where you come from?
Alvin: Well there ain't any English people down our way - just Americans.

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Crazy Credits

"We are proud to present this picture, and are grateful to the heroic figures, still living, who have generously consented to be portrayed in its story.

To their faith and ours, that a day will come when man will live in peace on earth, this picture is humbly dedicated.

High in the heart of the Cumberland Mountains in Tennessee, lies the Valley of the Three Forks of the Wolf, and here in the spring of the year 1916..."

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Connections

Referenced in Breakdowns of 1941 (1941)

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Soundtracks

When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder
(1892) (uncredited)
Written by James Milton Black
Sung in church at the beginning of the picture

User Reviews

Film-making brilliance . . . an absolute classic of the finest order

Many of the best films have portrayed real-life events -- and Sergeant York is no exception. Gary Cooper as Sergeant York delivers an Oscar-winning performance as a Tennessee hillbilly who, for personal and religious reasons, doesn't want to kill anyone and refuses to join the war on the Western Front in WW I. After much soul searching, he eventually dons a uniform and ships out to France. Using uncanny marksmanship skills acquired from years of living in the back woods, he prevents his platoon's position from being overrun by the enemy by methodically mowing down a few dozen German soldiers. One of Sergeant York's secrets to shooting accuracy is wetting down his sights with a bit of saliva to prevent glare. He emerges from the war as a hero, marries his favorite girl, moves into a house given to him by the State of Tennessee as a symbol of their gratitude, and lives happily ever after. Great stuff, and all true. A stunningly moving film that everyone should see.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English French German

Release Date:

27 September 1941 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Amazing Life of Sergeant York

Filming Locations:

Burro Flats, Simi Hills, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,400,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$16,361,885

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$16,364,924

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

134 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1