To Hell and Back (1955)

The true WWII story of Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier in U.S. history. Based on the autobiography of Audie Murphy who stars as himself in the film.

Director:

Jesse Hibbs

Writers:

Gil Doud (written for the screen by), Audie Murphy (autobiography "To Hell And Back")

Stars:

Audie Murphy, Marshall Thompson, Charles Drake

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Audie Murphy	...	Audie Murphy
Marshall Thompson	...	Johnson
Charles Drake	...	Brandon
Jack Kelly	...	Kerrigan
Gregg Palmer	...	Lt. Manning
Paul Picerni	...	Valentino
David Janssen	...	Lt. Lee
Richard Castle	...	Kovak
Bruce Cowling	...	Capt. Marks
Paul Langton	...	Col. Howe
Art Aragon	...	Sanchez
Felix Noriego	...	Swope
Denver Pyle	...	Thompson
Brett Halsey	...	Saunders
Susan Kohner	...	Maria

Storyline

True-life account of the military career of Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier in WWII. Native of Texas, he was placed in charge of his many younger siblings on the death of his mother and decided to join the military at the age of 18 to provide for them. His many acts of bravery and heroism during the US military advance through Italy, France and into Germany earn him increasing rank and responsibility as well as the respect of his comrades in arms. Eventually he receives two dozen of the highest medals the US and France can bestow, culminating in the awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor.

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Plot Keywords:

20th century | italy | heroism | north africa campaign | year 1945 | 

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Taglines:

The Exciting True-Life Story Of America's Most Decorated Hero

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Genres:

Action | Biography | Drama | History | Romance | War

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

The Holtzwihr Standoff took place in the winter under cold, muddy, rainy and snowy conditions; in the film it took place on a warm, bright, sunny day (probably because if the actual conditions were accurately portrayed it would have been difficult, if not impossible, to film).

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Goofs

When Kerrigan tells Audie Murphy "Come on, I got just the thing to do it!" His mouth never moves.

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Quotes

Narrator: War, to the foot soldier, is a continual fight for a few yards of dirt that always seemed to lie ahead of him, to be taken from the enemy or to be held at all costs. Why? As often as not he doesn't know in regard to the overall campaign. On Sicily, all he knew was that he took the entire island in 38 days - What he had accomplished gave the Allies a giant base of operation close to the Italian mainland.

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Alternate Versions

West German theatrical version was cut by approx. 5 minutes.

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Connections

Referenced in First Blood (1982)

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Soundtracks

Marine Hymn
(uncredited)

User Reviews

A good soldier's story, played by "THE REAL McCOY"

I've always Liked watching Audie Murphy's movies since I was a child. I guess it also had to do with the fact that he had that baby face. Being a combat wounded Viet Nam vet, I can relate to his ordeal during and after the war. This man was a caring man who thought of others. Like many other "Medal of Honor" winners; he like the others are not the movie RAMBO hero. They Are "THE REAL McCOYS" It's ironic, though. His last movie in 1971 was called "A time for dying"[A Jesse James movie.] In that same year he died in a small plane crash. A friend of his had once said," all those Germans could not kill him,yet a plane crash near home took his life." My last words are, "May he be with the Lord."

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English German Italian

Release Date:

18 October 1955 (Japan)

Also Known As:

To Hell and Back

Filming Locations:

Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal International Pictures (UI)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

4-Track Stereo (1959 reissue) Mono (Western Electric Recording)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.55 : 1