This is a DVD extra that is included on the second disk for "Sergeant York". It consists of interviews with surviving cast members Joan Leslie and June Lockhart as well as film historians. In addition, film clips and clips of various happenings around the country are used.
The first portion of the film is background for the Gary Cooper, the real life Alvin York as well as the production itself. It's full of interesting tidbits. However, the second portion I appreciated more because it put everything in historic context. There were lots of surprises about the reaction to the film when it debuted. I had no idea that still in 1941 there was THAT MUCH public support for isolationism. I knew this was true through the 1930s but had no idea it still was that strong. Additionally, I had no idea that there were Congressional efforts to silence the film. In other words, because of some 'Neutrality Act', they wanted to stop the film makers' First Amendment rights to express opinions that might have seemed pro-war!! Crazy!! Overall a very enjoyable extra. My only reservation is how the film tended to whitewash Gary Cooper a bit. The film described him as being almost exactly like the real life York other than York was quite loquacious. However, Cooper's libido (i.e., his off-screen conquests) are rather legendary and saying he was like the ultra-religious York is a bit ridiculous. A very fine actor...but also a legendary 'player'.
The first portion of the film is background for the Gary Cooper, the real life Alvin York as well as the production itself. It's full of interesting tidbits. However, the second portion I appreciated more because it put everything in historic context. There were lots of surprises about the reaction to the film when it debuted. I had no idea that still in 1941 there was THAT MUCH public support for isolationism. I knew this was true through the 1930s but had no idea it still was that strong. Additionally, I had no idea that there were Congressional efforts to silence the film. In other words, because of some 'Neutrality Act', they wanted to stop the film makers' First Amendment rights to express opinions that might have seemed pro-war!! Crazy!! Overall a very enjoyable extra. My only reservation is how the film tended to whitewash Gary Cooper a bit. The film described him as being almost exactly like the real life York other than York was quite loquacious. However, Cooper's libido (i.e., his off-screen conquests) are rather legendary and saying he was like the ultra-religious York is a bit ridiculous. A very fine actor...but also a legendary 'player'.
