A Midnight Clear (1992)

This WW2 psychological drama plays out at Christmas. US GIs hold an isolated cabin in the Ardennes against a handful of Germans cut off from their main force. Combat-weary and short of rations, both sides are determined to survive.

Director:

Keith Gordon

Writers:

William Wharton (novel), Keith Gordon (screenplay)

Stars:

Peter Berg, Kevin Dillon, Arye Gross

1 nomination.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Peter Berg	...	Bud Miller
Kevin Dillon	...	Cpl. Mel Avakian
Arye Gross	...	Stan Shutzer
Ethan Hawke	...	Sgt. Will Knott
Gary Sinise	...	Vance 'Mother' Wilkins
Frank Whaley	...	Paul 'Father' Mundy
John C. McGinley	...	Major Griffin
Larry Joshua	...	Lieutenant Ware
David Jensen	...	Sergeant Hunt
Curt Lowens	...	Older German Soldier
Rachel Griffin	...	Janice
Timothy S. Shoemaker	...	Eddie (as Tim Shoemaker)
Kelly Gately	...	Young German Soldier
Bill Osborn	...	American Sentry
Andre Lamal	...	German Soldier

Storyline

Set in 1944 France, in the Ardennes forest region, an American Intelligence Squad locates a German platoon wishing to surrender rather than die in Germany's final war offensive. The two groups of men, isolated from the war at present, put aside their differences and share a Christmas celebration. The surrender plan includes a mock battle that turns bad when one of the soldiers is unaware of the surrender plan.

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Plot Keywords:

europe | year 1944 | rifle | glasses | grenade | 

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Genres:

Drama | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, war violence and a scene of sensuality

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 April 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

Section 44

Filming Locations:

Utah, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$1,526,697

Company Credits

Production Co:

A&M Films,Beacon Communications,Beacon Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The interiors of the mansion were built in the gymnasium of a local high school. The attic set was constructed on the stage of the school's theater.

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Quotes

Bud Miller: [nervous about impersonating an officer] What if it's some kinda "Capture the Commander" scheme the Krauts have worked out?

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Connections

Featured in Siskel & Ebert: White Sands/A Midnight Clear/Passed Away/The Playboys/Delicatessen (1992)

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Soundtracks

The Jersey Bounce
Recorded by Studo Music Department
Written by Buddy Feyne, Bobby Plater (as Bobby Platter), Tiny Bradshaw and Edward Johnson
Published by Lewis Music Publishing Co., Inc.

User Reviews

Amazing Movie!!!!!

I had to order this movie in from the US because you can't get it in Britain. But it was worth all the hassle of tracking it down because it is an amazing movie. Ethan Hawke is great as the young Sergent who must lead a group of frightened young soldiers to the German front. Gary Sinise is amazing as the emotionally damaged "Mother" Wilkins, and the supporting cast is great too! When the group discovers a Nazi camp of soldiers who have lost the will to fight, an uneasy truce is formed, which will ultimately and in tragedy as the American Platoon try to protect "Mother." The movie is brilliantly acted and with a emotionally powerful ending. (I was very nearly crying at the end!!!!) Defiantely worth hunting down!!!!