US History at the Movies
These are films (and some tv movies and shows) showcasing elements of and people from American History. I'm sticking to ones that attempt to capture the history, rather than ones just set in a particular period. Surprise, surprise, there are a lot of war movies here.
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- DirectorKing VidorJack ConwayW.S. Van DykeStarsSpencer TracyRobert YoungWalter BrennanLangdon Towne and Hunk Marriner join Major Rogers' Rangers as they wipe out an Indian village. They set out for Fort Wentworth, but when they arrive they find no soldiers and none of the supplies they expected.Adaptation of the Kenneth Roberts novel, which features the historical Roger's Rangers, who served during the French and Indian War. The novel is an excellent piece of adventure and the film captures the highpoints. features Spencer Tracy as Rogers, with Robert Young as the idealistic hero.
- DirectorMichael MannStarsDaniel Day-LewisMadeleine StoweRussell MeansThree trappers protect the daughters of a British Colonel in the midst of the French and Indian War.Michael Mann's adaptation of the James Fenimore Cooper novel. There have been other versions, but I prefer this one. Set on the frontier, during the French and Indian War. This really works to authentically portray the period and earns big points for using actual Native American actors in key roles, something missing from many versions.
- CreatorJohn WilderStarsAndrew StevensOlivia HusseyBarry SullivanWhen Phillipe Charboneau, the illegitimate son of an English duke, travels from France to England to claim his inheritance, he incurs the wrath of his father's family and is forced to flee to America, where he becomes involved in the events leading to the American Revolution.First of the Kent Family Chronicles adaptations, set during the colonial period.
- DirectorJohn FordStarsClaudette ColbertHenry FondaEdna May OliverNewlyweds Gil and Lana Martin try to establish a farm in the Mohawk Valley but are menaced by Indians and Tories as the Revolutionary War begins.Set during the Revoulutionary War period and featuring Henry Fonda. One of the few films to really get into the dawn of the US.
- DirectorPeter H. HuntStarsWilliam DanielsHoward Da SilvaKen HowardA musical retelling of the American Revolution's political struggle in the Continental Congress to declare independence.Film version of the musical about the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It's campy as heck, but has some good moments.
- DirectorRobert StevensonStarsHal StalmasterLuana PattenJeff YorkJohnny Tremain is drawn into the Revolutionary War, and becomes a patriot fighting to free the colonies from England. Along the way he learns about life and about himself.Disney film based on the Newberry Award-winning novel. Johnny is an apprentice silversmith, who is actually the lost child of a wealthy family. the film is kind of episodic, but Johnny is involved with the Sons of Liberty and aids Paul Revere, before joining the fighting at Lexington and Concord (I think it was the later; it's been a while since I've seen it).
- DirectorRobert HarmonStarsJeff DanielsRoger ReesSebastian RochéA dramatization of George Washington's perilous gamble of crossing the Delaware River and attacking the Hessian forces at Trenton.Jeff Daniels stars as George Washington, in this tale of the Crossing of the Delaware and the attack on the Hessians at the Battle of Trenton. It goes beyond the legend to get at both Washington the leader, and the politics that plagued the young Continental Army.
- StarsBarry BostwickPatty DukeDavid DukesThe early life and career of the American General and President through his participation in the Revolutionary War.Barry Bostwick stars as George Washington. The mini-series follows him from young(ish) man courting Martha, throught the Revolution and his Presidency. It tries to illustrate the true man (complete with infedelities) rather than the legend. Alexander Hamilton gets let off easy here, if you ask me.
- DirectorRoland EmmerichStarsMel GibsonHeath LedgerJoely RichardsonPeaceful farmer Benjamin Martin is driven to lead the Colonial Militia during the American Revolution when a sadistic British officer murders his son.This one pretty much chucked history out the window (Which is suprising, with a German director and Australian lead). First, Gibson's character doesn't own slaves, they are freemen who like working for him, in large numbers. Cornwallis is portrayed as an ineffectual fop, when he was an extremely experienced and capable general, as demonstarted in India. The film mixes elements of guerrilla fighters, like Frances Marion (and others) and drenches up the idea of Bandastre Tarleton as a butcher, which is a bit of an exaggeration (though he did have Patriot solders shot, though the Patriots retaliated by killing Loyalist prisoners). The film climaxes with what is essentially the Battle of the Cowpens, but misses some of the key strategy and leaves Daniel Morgan and his sharpshooters completely out of it.
- 1954–19971hUnrated8.1 (55)TV EpisodeDirectorHarry KellerStarsLeslie NielsenJohn SuttonJoy PageThe Tories stage raids against their neighbors but leave standing the Videaux mansion, since Mary Videaux agrees to provide valuable information.Disney series about Frances Marion. It was more legend than fact.
- DirectorHugh HudsonStarsAl PacinoDonald SutherlandNastassja KinskiA trapper and his young son get pulled into the American revolution early as unwilling participants and remain involved through to the end.Al Pacino stars in this rather disjointed film about the American Revolution. Pacino was a bad choice, from a casting standpoint, based solely on ethnicity.
- DirectorRobert GuenetteStarsJoe FlynnJan LeightonRichard MatthewsTV movie about the American Revolution, focusing on the Battle of Yorktown. I saw it as a kid, but have only vague memories of it.
- StarsAndrew StevensDon JohnsonWilliam ConradPhilip Kent takes part in the American Revolution and the newly formed Congress.Next chapter in the Kent Family Chronicles, moving the story to the revolution.
- DirectorJohn J. DesmondStarsBibi BeschSusan BrowningJoel CrothersTV sepcial, one of a short series, featuring the lives of notable First Ladies. This one focused on Martha Washington.
- DirectorAnthony QuinnStarsYul BrynnerClaire BloomCharles BoyerDuring the War of 1812, Louisiana buccaneer Jean Lafitte assists the Americans in defending New Orleans against the attacking British war fleet.Historical film about the pirate Jean Lafitte and his eventual involvement in the Battle of New Orleans, at the end (after the treaty was signed!) of the War of 1812. Charlton Heston plays Andrew Jackson, while Yul Brynner is Lafitte. It stretches the truth quite a bit, but gets right the fact that Lafitte was betrayed and his base was raided.
- DirectorIra CirkerStarsArmand AssanteFran BrillBill CobbsTV special that dramatized the life of Rachel and Andrew Jackson. I have vague memories of it, particularly a scene where Rachel tries out Andrew's pipes, but tries to hide it as she answers a maid's questions. The real Rachel Jackson did smoke a pipe. I seem to recall that it sugarcoated the Jackson's as slaveholders, but I might off on that one.
- StarsLeVar BurtonRobert ReedJohn AmosA dramatization of author Alex Haley's family line from ancestor Kunta Kinte's enslavement to his descendants' liberation.The saga of the family of Alex Hailey, from Africa to the post-Civil War. The book and the mini-series did much to illuminate the history of slavery to a mass audience and also stirred a desire to trace one's own family tree. Very well done and hugely popular.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDjimon HounsouMatthew McConaugheyAnthony HopkinsIn 1839, the revolt of Mende captives aboard a Spanish owned ship causes a major controversy in the United States when the ship is captured off the coast of Long Island. The courts must decide whether the Mende are slaves or legally free.Little known story of a slave ship, where the slaves revolted and took over the ship. The ended up in America, where they were seized as runaway slaves. John Quincy Adams pled their case before the Supreme Court.
- StarsFess ParkerPatricia BlairDarby HintonFrontier hero Daniel Boone conducts surveys and expeditions around Boonesborough, running into both friendly and hostile Indians, before, during, and even after the Revolutionary War.Fine tv series about the legendary frontiersman. I loved this series as a kid.
- StarsRandolph MantoothEdie AdamsNeville BrandThe sons and grandchildren of Philip Kent make a life for themselves in America.The Kents head westward in this third movie.
- DirectorJohn FordStarsHenry FondaAlice BradyMarjorie WeaverA fictionalized account of the early life of the American president as a young lawyer facing his greatest court case.Henry Fonda stars as Abe Lincoln, in this very popular chronicle of his younger days. It tends toward legend more than fact.
- DirectorJohn CromwellStarsRaymond MasseyGene LockhartRuth GordonHumble Abraham Lincoln gains the respect of his Illinois neighbors, growing in stature and respect until he is elected President in 1860 and departs for Washington.Raymond Massey is well cast as Abe Lincoln, chronicling his younger days as a shopkeeper and lawyer in Illinois.
- DirectorNorman FosterStarsFess ParkerBuddy EbsenBasil RuysdaelAmerican frontiersman Davy Crockett fights in the Creek Indian War, is elected to the U.S. Congress and fights for Texas at the Alamo.Disney's legendary movie about the frontier hero and congressman. It stretches the truth a lot, but spawned a huge fad in the 50s. Fess Parker does a pretty good job with it.
- DirectorJohn WayneStarsJohn WayneRichard WidmarkLaurence HarveyIn 1836, a small band of soldiers sacrifice their lives in hopeless combat against a massive army in order to prevent a tyrant from smashing the new Republic of Texas.John Wayne's bloated film about the siege of the Alamo. History takes a back seat to the Duke.
- DirectorJohn Lee HancockStarsDennis QuaidBilly Bob ThorntonEmilio EchevarríaBased on the 1836 standoff between a group of Texan and Tejano men, led by Davy Crockett and Jim Bowie, and Mexican dictator Santa Anna's forces at the Alamo in San Antonio Texas.This was an attempt at a more historically accurate look at the Alamo and the Texas Revolution.
- CreatorCharles E. Sellier Jr.StarsDan HaggertyDenver PyleBozo the BearAn innocent fugitive from the law lives in the wilderness with a grizzly bear companion and helps passers-by in the forest.Tv series (which debuted as a film) featuring the frontiersman. The series played loose with history, but Adams encountered many historical figures throughout.
- DirectorSydney PollackStarsRobert RedfordWill GeerDelle BoltonA mountain man who wishes to live the life of a hermit becomes the unwilling object of a long vendetta by the Crow tribe and proves to be a match for their warriors in single combat on the early frontier.Robert Redford plays the mountain man in this historical film.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsAudie MurphyBill MauldinDouglas DickTruncated adaptation of Stephen Crane's novel about a Civil War Union soldier who stuggles to find the courage to fight in the heat of battle.Audey Murphey stars in this adaptation of the Stephen Crane novella. The film is very well done and Murphy understood the hero more than just about anyone.
- DirectorRon MaxwellStarsTom BerengerMartin SheenStephen LangIn 1863, the Northern and Southern forces fight at Gettysburg in the decisive battle of the American Civil War.Valiant attempt at telling the story of the Battle of Gettysburg, with an all-star cast. It's an epic film, based on the novel The Killer Angels.
- DirectorEdward ZwickStarsMatthew BroderickDenzel WashingtonCary ElwesRobert Gould Shaw leads the U.S. Civil War's first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices from both his own Union Army, and the Confederates.The story of the 54th, a regiment of black soldiers, featuring Denzel Washington in an Oscar-winning role, Morgan Freeman in an Oscar-nominated role, and Matthew Broderick as the young white commander who is tasked to lead these men, even when some wished otherwise. Ironically, soon after the film came out, Hurrican Hugo uncovered evidence of the mass grave of soldiers of the 54th, after the failed siege of the Citadel.
- DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsDaniel Day-LewisSally FieldDavid StrathairnAs the Civil War rages on, U.S President Abraham Lincoln struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on his decision to emancipate the slaves.Recent look at Abe Lincoln and the Civil War, based on Doris Kerns Goodwin's "A Team of Rivals." Multiple Oscar winner.
- CreatorDouglas HeyesStarsKirstie AlleyGeorg Stanford BrownDavid CarradineTwo friends, one northern and one southern, struggle to maintain their friendship as events build towards the American Civil War.Mini-series set during the events of the Civil War. It's played for drama but did a decent job of capturing history.
- DirectorJohn GrayStarsArmand AssanteDonald SutherlandAlex JenningsDuring the siege of Charleston of 1864, Confederate submarine H.L. Hunley becomes the first submersible to sink an enemy warship in wartime.TV movie about the Confederate submerssible, which ultimately met a tragic fate. The Hunley was eventually located and salvaged and the mockup used for filming could be viewed at a temporary museum in Charleston, SC, where the excavation work was being accomplished. When I was a naval officer, I worked next door to the facility where the scientific work would later be done.
- DirectorJohn FordHenry HathawayGeorge MarshallStarsJames StewartJohn WayneGregory PeckA family saga covering several decades of Westward expansion in the 19th century, including the Gold Rush, the Civil War, and the building of the railroads.Epic saga of the westward expansion. History plays more of a back seat to the drama, but it's a fine film.
- CreatorErnest KinoyStarsDebbi MorganDorian HarewoodPaul KosloThe dramatization of Alex Haley's family line from post Civil War America to the writer's search for his roots.Sequel mini-series, which follows the family of Alex Hailey, up to his research for the book, concluding with the discovery, in Africa, of the capture of Kunte Kinte. Like the original, it touches upon key moments in US and African-American history, including Simon Hailey's service in World War I, Alex Hailey's service in the Coast Guard in WW II, cultural figures like Booker T Washington, and much more.
- DirectorGeorge P. CosmatosKevin JarreStarsKurt RussellVal KilmerSam ElliottA successful lawman's plans to retire anonymously in Tombstone, Arizona are disrupted by the kind of outlaws he was famous for eliminating.Somewhat more accurate version of the events at the OK Corral, though it goes with the legend when it is more colorful. It ignores the political squabbles between the Earps and people like the Clantons and Sherrif Beehan.
- DirectorLawrence KasdanStarsKevin CostnerDennis QuaidGene HackmanFrom Wichita to Dodge City, to the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, a man becomes a myth in this thrilling journey of romance, adventure, and desperate heroic action.Kevin Costner directs and stars in this bloated biopic of the lawman. It got lost in the wake of Tombstone.
- DirectorWalter HillStarsJeff BridgesEllen BarkinJohn HurtThe early career of legendary lawman Wild Bill Hickock is telescoped and culminates in his relocation in Deadwood and a reunion with Calamity Jane.Jeff Bridges stars as the legendary gunfighter and lawman, set in his later days. Fine film, though a bit rough in spots.
- DirectorRichard T. HeffronStarsJames WhitmoreSam ElliottNed RomeroIn a period when many thought that "the only good Indian is a dead Indian," Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce won the admiration of the American public.Ned Romero stars as Chief Joseph, leader of the Nez Perce. Grasping that his people will never stem the flow of whites from the East, Chief Joseph instead tries to lead his people into Canada, before illness and starvation finally stop them in their trek and the noble leader surrenders, uttering his famous words. The film does an excellent job in capturing this little known story.
- DirectorWalter HillStarsJason PatricGene HackmanRobert DuvallThe story of the Apache chief and his armed resistance to the U.S. Government's subjugation of his people.Wes Studi portrays the Apache warrior, focusing on his battles with the US Army, as well as the cavalry officers he came to respect. It mostly sticks to the facts, unlike the Chuck Conners film.
- StarsGary ColeRosanna ArquetteStanley AndersonThe story of George Custer, Crazy Horse and the events prior to the battle of the Little Bighorn, told from the different perspectives of two women.Retelling of Gen. George Armstron Custer and the Battle of Little Bighorn. A bit more accuracte than the Errol Flynn film.
- CreatorBlanche HanalisStarsMelissa GilbertMichael LandonKaren GrassleThe life and adventures of the Ingalls family in the nineteenth century American Midwest.TV series, based on the novels by Laura Ingalls Wilder (or possibly her daughter Rose). The books and the series capture life on the plains, as well as many of the changes that would come to the young nation.
- StarsTom BerengerSam ElliottGary BuseyUndersecretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt resigns to form a volunteer militia unit called "The Rough Riders" to fight in the Spanish-American War.TV movie about Teddy Roosevelt's famed command. Again, legend clouds things, though this attempts to be more accurate than many of these things.
- DirectorE.W. SwackhamerStarsMichael MoriartyDavid HuffmanTom BowerAfter many years of trying, Orville and Wilbur Wright succeed in making their heavier-than-air aircraft fly, south of Kitty Hawk, on December 17, 1903. They later try to sell their invention to the US government.TV movie about the Wright Brothers and their flight; plus events afterward, including patent infringement suit against Glen Curtis.
- DirectorRobert WiseStarsSteve McQueenRichard AttenboroughRichard CrennaIn 1926, a U.S. Naval engineer gets assigned to a gunboat on a rescue mission in war-torn China.Excellent film, set during the Boxer Rebellion in China, featuring a US gonboat caught up in events.
- CreatorGwen BagniPaul DubovStarsLeslie UggamsOlivia ColeLouis Gossett Jr.Behind the scenes at the White House during eight administrations, as told by the people who work there.Excellent mini-series that looks at events covering the presidencies of William H. Taft, up to Dwight Eisenhower, told through the viewpoint of the African-American servants. Excellent cast, including Leslie Uggams, Louis Gossett, Harry Morgan, and many more.
- DirectorNick HavingaStarsRalph DrischellLil HendersonElizabeth HubbardThis entry in the series focused on Woodrow Wilson's wife. When Wilson suffered a stroke, Edith sheltered him from outsiders and communicated decisions for the stricken president; effectively running the country. This event has seen much argument from historians.
- DirectorHoward HawksStarsGary CooperWalter BrennanJoan LeslieA Tennessee farmer and marksman is drafted in World War I, and struggles with his pacifist inclinations before becoming one of the most celebrated war heroes.The story of Alvin York, Medal of Honor winner in World War I and pacifist. The film was made as the US was about to enter another war, so it plays up patriotism, though it gets much of the story right. York was a true hero, who did what he had to, but took no pleasure in taking a life and shunned plublicity afterwards.
- DirectorWilliam KeighleyStarsJames CagneyPat O'BrienGeorge BrentAlthough loudmouthed braggart Jerry Plunkett alienates his comrades and officers, Father Duffy, the regimental chaplain, has faith that he'll prove himself in the end.Classic film featuring the story of the famous regiment in WWI, with James Cagney and Pat O'Brien. It's Hollywood, so take it with a grain of salt.
- DirectorLewis MilestoneStarsLew AyresLouis WolheimJohn WrayA German youth eagerly enters World War I, but his enthusiasm wanes as he gets a firsthand view of the horror.Early and excellent film, based on the novel by Erich Maria Remarque, which was inspired by Remarque's own experiences in WW I. One of the truly great anti-war novels and films.
- DirectorStanley KubrickStarsKirk DouglasRalph MeekerAdolphe MenjouAfter a failed attack on a German position, a general orders three soldiers, chosen at random, court-martialed for cowardice and their commanding officer must defend them.Stanley Kubrick's tale of madness on the French frontlines, based on actual events. Like All Quiet on the Western Front, it touches upon events that didn't involve the US, but were key to wars affecting the US.
- DirectorRoger CormanStarsJohn Phillip LawDon StroudBarry PrimusThe story of Manfred von Richthofen, the German air ace during World War I and his struggle with the enemy aces and some jealous German officers.Film based on the German ace and the man credited with shooting him down. It plays it a bit too much for drama, but features spectacular aerial shots.
- DirectorHoward HughesEdmund GouldingJames WhaleStarsBen LyonJames HallJean HarlowBrothers Monte and Ray leave Oxford to join the Royal Flying Corps. Ray loves Helen; Helen enjoys an affair with Monte; before they leave on their mission over Germany they find her in still another man's arms.Howard Hughes' epic film about aerial combat in WWI. It's played more for drama than truth.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsJames StewartMurray HamiltonPatricia SmithCharles 'Slim' Lindbergh struggles to finance and design an airplane that will make his New York to Paris flight the first solo transatlantic crossing.Greatly fictionalized but fun account of Charles Lindbergh's solo flight across the Atlantic. Jimmy Stewart was a real pilot (who flew bomber missions in WW2), which adds a great layer of authenticity. It's a little long, but full of great scenes.
- DirectorBrian De PalmaStarsKevin CostnerSean ConneryRobert De NiroDuring Prohibition, Treasury agent Eliot Ness sets out to stop ruthless Chicago gangster Al Capone, and assembles a small, incorruptible team to help him.Highly fictionalised account of the battles between Eliot Ness and Al Capone's mobs in Chicago. The truth wasn't as spectacular as the tv series or the movie.
- DirectorMel StuartStarsDavid DukesTovah FeldshuhLauren FriedmanThe story of the fire in the Triangle Shirtwaist Mfg. Co. building in New York City in 1911 that resulted in the deaths of 146 employees, mostly young women. The ensuing investigation revealed the company's almost total disregard for its workers' safety in pursuit of increased production and profits; it resulted, among other things, in the passage of new worker-safety laws and the formation of the International Ladies' Garment Workers Union.TV movie, based on the tragic fire that claimed the lives of many workers. This was a key event in the early labor movement, spawning the International Ladies Garmet Workers Union.
- StarsDavid HuffmanMackenzie PhillipsLilia SkalaThe story of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt, from early youth to his election as President of the United States, as told from Eleanor's point of view.Tv film about the courtship and marriage of the Roosevelts, covering his being struck down by polio and his burgeoning career in politics. Well cast and superby handled.
- DirectorDaniel PetrieStarsJane AlexanderEdward HerrmannPriscilla PointerThe story of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt during their 12-year stay at the White House.Companion piece to Ealeanor and Franklin, featuring the duo's work during the Depression and war years.
- DirectorTim RobbinsStarsHank AzariaRubén BladesJoan CusackA true story of politics and art in the 1930s U.S., focusing on a leftist musical drama and attempts to stop its production.Dramatization of Orson Welles and the Federal Theater Project, a program run by the WPA, which was designed to create employment for artists, writers and actors. The problem was that many of those involved had some radical ideas and put them into their productions, which angered a significant portion of Congress, who shut it down. To be fair, it was a major money loser. The film sides completely with Welles and the artists.
- DirectorJohn FordStarsHenry FondaJane DarwellJohn CarradineAn Oklahoma family, driven off their farm by the poverty and hopelessness of the Dust Bowl, joins the westward migration to California, suffering the misfortunes of the homeless in the Great Depression.Adaptation of John Steinbeck's novel, telling the story of the Joads and their migration westward, to California. The novel and film served to illustrate the upheaval of the Dust Bowl region, in the Great Plains (specifically, Oklahoma), created by crop failure and natural disasters (massive dust storms which stripped top soil), which displaced large numbers of people. It illustrates many of the battles between Left and Right, as the country grappled with the economic reality of the Depression and the social upheaval it brought. You see the "Hoovervilles," temporary camps of displaced people, on the fringes of communities, who reacted to them out of fear. You see people exploit the desperation of those in search of a better life, as well as those who want to help, including some of the New Deal programs. However, the film was attacked (as was the novel) as promoting communism and was banned in many areas. It is believed by some that Henry Fonda lost the Oscar to Jimmy Stewart because of the political content of this film, rather than the artistic merits. regardless, it's a great film and a tremendous performance by Fonda, who is "everyman."
- DirectorRobert WiseStarsGeorge C. ScottAnne BancroftWilliam AthertonA chronicle of the Hindenburg disaster in which a zeppelin burst into flames.This is played through the lense of the "disaster film," which mars some of the historical details. It uses the WLS radio broadcast to recall the horror of the event. It does show, but doesn't make a strong point of depicting the fact that the majority of the passengers and crew survived. The British R101 disaster was far worse.
- DirectorRichard FleischerKinji FukasakuToshio MasudaStarsMartin BalsamSô YamamuraJason RobardsThe story of the 1941 Japanese air raid on Pearl Harbor, and the series of preceding American blunders that aggravated its effectiveness.Film documenting the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, showing both sides. It's kind of long, but generally well done.
- DirectorJack SmightStarsCharlton HestonHenry FondaJames CoburnA dramatization of the battle that was widely heralded as a turning point of the Pacific Theatre of World War II.It's a bit long, but it captures well the stakes at the Battle of Midway. The US wouldn't have been knocked out of the war if it had gone the other way, but it would probably have drastically changed strategy, especially in the European theater. Generally good performances, with plenty of actual footage mixed in.
- StarsRobert DuvallLee RemickDana AndrewsDuring World War II, General Dwight D. "Ike" Eisenhower serves as supreme commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Western Europe. On a personal level, he has an extramarital affair with his driver Kay Summersby.Robert Duval does an excellent job as Eisenhower, showcasing his diplomatic and leadership skills, while dancing around his relationship with Kate Sommersby. Very well done.
- DirectorFranklin J. SchaffnerStarsGeorge C. ScottKarl MaldenStephen YoungThe World War II phase of the career of controversial American general George S. Patton.Grand, glorious look at the US' most flamboyant general, warts and all (though you might argue moe "all" than "warts"). George C Scott delivered an Oscar-winning performance.
- DirectorLarry PeerceStarsAndre BraugherDaniel SternRuby DeeA film about the early life of the baseball star in the army and in particular his court-martial for insubordination regarding segregation.A look at the racial injustices, via a dramatization of Jackie Robinson's court martial for refusing to give up his seat on a bus.
- DirectorKen AnnakinAndrew MartonGerd OswaldStarsJohn WayneRobert RyanRichard BurtonThe events of D-Day, told on a grand scale from both the Allied and German points of view.Based on the Cornelius Ryan account of the invasion of Normandy, which not only focuses on the US at Utah and Omaha Beaches, but also the British airborne operation at the Pegasus Bridge and a little at the British landings. No joy for the Canadians, though.
- DirectorRichard AttenboroughStarsSean ConneryRyan O'NealMichael CaineOperation Market Garden, September 1944: The Allies attempt to capture several strategically important bridges in the Netherlands in the hope of breaking the German lines.Recounts Operation Market Garden, a failed attempt at seizing a bridgehead into Germany. The US sectors went fairly smoothly, until the assault on the Neimegan Bridge, but their losses were nothing compared to the British at Arnhem. This is not a "gung ho" film.
- DirectorChristian NybyStarsChad EverettMarilyn DevinDean JaggerIn WW2, highly decorated Marine Sgt. Jack Connell comes home to the USA from the Pacific War and trains recruits for the army until his fighting spirit prods him to request a return to active duty on the front lines.Chad Everett stars as a Marine hero at Guadacanal, but who finds himself struggling with PTSD back in the states. He soon finds himself leading troops again and must come to grips with his fears and lead his men. One of the few films covering this era that really looks at the toll upon the psyche, particularly in the more viscious combat zones. Gene Hackman appears in an early role.
- DirectorTerrence MalickStarsJim CaviezelSean PennNick NolteAdaptation of James Jones' autobiographical 1962 novel, focusing on the conflict at Guadalcanal during the second World War.Adaptation of the novel, based on the author's experiences at Guadacanal.
- DirectorJoseph SargentStarsGregory PeckDan O'HerlihyEd FlandersBiopic of General Douglas MacArthur covering his war exploits during WW2 and the Korean War.Gregory Peck stars as Douglas MacArthrur. It's not exactly Patton, and is probably far more forgiving, but Peck is great.
- DirectorWilliam A. WellmanStarsVan JohnsonJohn HodiakRicardo MontalbanTrue tale about a squad of the 101st Airborne Division coping with being trapped by the Germans in the besieged city of Bastogne, Belgium during the Battle of the Bulge in December of 1944.Excellent post-war film about a platoon who finds themselves caught up in the Battle of the Bulge.
- DirectorSamuel FullerStarsLee MarvinMark HamillRobert CarradineA hardened sergeant and the four core members of his infantry unit try to survive World War II as they move from battle to battle throughout Europe.Director Sam Fuller's masterpiece, based on his own experiences in WW II. The younger cast tries hard, but can't match the level of performance that Lee Marvin gives. There is little sentimental in this one.
- DirectorHenry KingStarsGregory PeckHugh MarloweGary MerrillA tough-as-nails general (Gregory Peck as General Savage) takes over a B-17 bomber unit suffering from low morale and whips them into fighting shape.Gregory Peck is the new commanding general of a B-17 Bomber group, with a high casualty rate. He must bring some leadership and confidence to the group to carry out their missions. Peck is excellent, as usual, and Dean Jaggers is also good as the adjutant who provides the point of view for the story. Excellent display for understanding the role of leadership in a military situation, as well as the toll that command can take.
- DirectorJesse HibbsStarsAudie MurphyMarshall ThompsonCharles DrakeThe 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.Audey Murphy stars in this account of his own experiences in WW II. Murphy was not only the most decorated soldier of the war, he was also one of the first to publicly talk about the mental toll that the war took upon him.
- DirectorMervyn LeRoyStarsSpencer TracyVan JohnsonRobert WalkerIn the wake of Pearl Harbor, a young lieutenant leaves his expectant wife to volunteer for a secret bombing mission which will take the war to the Japanese homeland.The story of the Doolittle raid, not too long after it occured. It gets to the heart of the training that made the raid possible, which was more an exercise in morale boosting than a strategic or tactical victory.
- DirectorRaoul WalshStarsErrol FlynnJames BrownWilliam PrinceA platoon of special ops are tasked to parachute into the remote Burmese jungle and destroy a strategic Japanese radar station, but getting out isn't as easy.Wartime film that looks at the fighting in the jungles of Burma, and area little detailed in many US history texts.
- DirectorLloyd BaconStarsAnne BaxterThomas MitchellSelena RoyleThe lives of a close-knit group of brothers growing up in Iowa during the days of the Great Depression.Heartbreaking, but thoroughly patriotic account of the 5 Sullivan Brothers, who lost their lives at the same time, on the same ship. The film bends history to beef up the emotion; but, it's mostly factual. This one really hits home the toll taken by family members who could only sit at home and wait for news about their loved ones.
- DirectorRobert MarkowitzStarsLaurence FishburneAllen PayneMalcolm-Jamal WarnerThe true story of how a group of African-American pilots overcame racist opposition to become one of the finest United States fighter groups in World War II.Excellent HBO production (don't know why there is a PBS dvd cover here), which dramatized the training and battles of the legendary Tuskeegee Airmen, both in the skies and on the ground. Much better historical account than George Lucas' Red Tails.
- DirectorAndrew V. McLaglenStarsWilliam HoldenCliff RobertsonVince EdwardsA US Army lieutenant colonel is tasked with forming an elite commando-style unit from crack Canadian troops and the dregs of the US Army.Rather exaggerated account of the 1st Special Service Force, one of the precursors to the modern Special Forces. The unit was made up of US and Canadian soldiers, originally tasked with supporting an aborted invasion of Norway. The soon found use in the Italian campaign, where they established a legend at Mt La Defensa. The film gilds the lilly a lot, especially in depicting the American soldiers as mostly the dregs of the stockade.
- DirectorAllan DwanStarsJohn WayneJohn AgarAdele MaraHaunted by personal demons, Marine Sgt. John Stryker is hated and feared by his men, who see him as a cold-hearted sadist. But when their boots hit the beaches, they begin to understand the reason for Stryker's rigid form of discipline.This one is steeped in Hollywood, but still manages to pull in the audience, as it looks at the hell of Iwo Jima.
- DirectorClint EastwoodStarsRyan PhillippeBarry PepperJoseph CrossThe life stories of the six men who raised the flag at the Battle of Iwo Jima, a turning point in World War II.Clint Eastwood directs this take on the Battle of Iwo Jima, based on the James Bradley account. Much more fact based than the John Wayne film.
- DirectorJohn KortyStarsYuki ShimodaNobu McCarthyDori TakeshitaAfter the attack on Pearl Harbor, seven-year-old Jeanne Wakatsuki, her family and 11,000 other Americans of Japanese descent and their immigrant parents are imprisoned in the internment camp Manzanar in California.Based on the book, this recounts life for the interred Japanese Americans, many of whom still volunteered to fight for a country that denied their citizenship.
- DirectorLeslie H. MartinsonStarsCliff RobertsonRobert CulpTy HardinPresident John F. Kennedy kept a unique inauguration gift on his desk: a plastic-encased coconut. The tale of that coconut is the heroic story of PT 109.Cliff Robertson stars as young Lt. John F Kennedy, in this account of the disaster that befell the crew and Kennedy's leadership in guiding their survival and rescue. The events have been subjected to much revisionism on both sides of the political spectrum, and this film is hardly without its bias; but, it's still a darn good film.
- DirectorDavid Lowell RichStarsBilly CrystalKim DarbyPatrick DuffyThe decision to drop the atom bomb, the secrecy surrounding the mission, and the men who flew it.TV movie which looked at the training for the fateful dropping of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima. It was pretty decent.
- DirectorRoland JofféStarsPaul NewmanDwight SchultzBonnie BedeliaThis film reenacts the Manhattan Project, the secret WWII project, and the first atomic bombs designed, built, and tested in Los Alamos.Paul Newman stars in this account of the Manhattan Project.
- DirectorJonathan DemmeStarsGoldie HawnKurt RussellChristine LahtiA woman finds romance when she takes a job at an aircraft plant to help make ends meet after her husband goes off to war.Rather lightweight film about the homefront, during WW II.
- DirectorLuis ValdezStarsDaniel ValdezEdward James OlmosCharles AidmanWhen barrio leader Henry Reyna and his friends are unjustly convicted on circumstantial evidence, activist lawyers Alice Bloomfield and George Shearer fight the blatant racially motivated miscarriage of justice to win them their freedom.Little known film about a little known wartime event. Riots broke out between servicemen and largely Hispanic male youths, who wore zoot suits to go out on the town. The battles were basically racially motivated and law enforcement tended to punish to zoot suit crowd more than the soldiers. Ordinances were created to outlaw the attire, ignoring the heart of the problem. One of the milestones in the Latino experience of American culture.
- DirectorRobert WiseStarsClark GableBurt LancasterJack WardenA U.S. sub commander, obsessed with sinking a certain Japanese ship, butts heads with his first officer and crew.Still one of the better films about submarine life during the war, with Clark Gable and Burt Lancaster.
- DirectorWilliam WylerStarsMyrna LoyDana AndrewsFredric MarchThree World War II veterans, two of them traumatized or disabled, return home to the American midwest to discover that they and their families have been irreparably changed.Rarely seen film that was one of the few to deal with the aftermath of WW2. The film features a group of people who try to resume their lives after the war; but find that they have been changed too much. There is a myth that "the boys" came home and went back to their lives; but, that wasn't the case for many. Some had trouble finding jobs, others had problems with PTSD (though few talked about it, apart from Audie Murphy), many saw wartime marriages fall apart, and others had lost their purpose. Many had to discover a new life and put their war experiences into a mental closet. Many were perfectly fine. The point is, entertainment rarely tackled these ideas until a few decades later. This was 1946.
- DirectorRichard BrooksStarsHumphrey BogartJune AllysonKeenan WynnSet in Korea and made during the war, this is the love story of a hard-bitten Army surgeon, and a new nurse ready to save the world.Before MASH, there was this account of the mobile hospitals that helped reduce casualties.
- DirectorFrancis Ford CoppolaStarsJeff BridgesJoan AllenMartin LandauThe story of Preston Tucker, the maverick car designer and his ill-fated challenge to the auto industry with his revolutionary car concept.Francis Ford Copolla and George Lucas brought this account of the maverick car manufacturer, who found himself under assualt by Big Auto. Jeff Bridges is excellent.
- DirectorLewis MilestoneStarsGregory PeckHarry GuardinoRip TornDuring the Korean War peace talks, U.S. troops fight to retake a hill from the Communist Chinese forces.Gregory Peck stars in this account of the Korean War, one of the few out there.
- DirectorRobert AltmanStarsDonald SutherlandElliott GouldTom SkerrittThe staff of a Korean War field hospital use humor and high jinks to keep their sanity in the face of the horror of war.Based on the novel, which was based on the author's experiences in a MASH unit, during the Korean War. The film is more faithful to the book, though it is still more about Vietnam than Korea. The tv series took the liberties even further, though it was a fine piece of comedy and drama.
- DirectorMark RobsonStarsWilliam HoldenGrace KellyFredric MarchSet during the Korean War, a Navy fighter pilot must come to terms with with his own ambivalence towards the war and the fear of having to bomb a set of highly defended bridges. The ending of this grim war drama is all tension.Dramatizes attempts to destroy key bridges during the Korean War.
- DirectorAnthony PageStarsHenry FondaE.G. MarshallLucille BensonU.S. President Harry S Truman and his commander in the Korean War, General Douglas MacArthur, disagree on war strategy. Their conflict comes to a head when Truman relieves the insubordinate MacArthur from command.Excellent drama, built around the conflict between Douglas MacArthur and Harry Truman. MacArthur and Truman played a dangerous game that threatened the long tradition of civilian control of the military. In the end, Truman won, cementing the idea that the military must always act as an extension of the civilian populace, not as a power unto itself.
- DirectorMartin RittStarsWoody AllenZero MostelHerschel BernardiIn 1953, a cashier poses as a writer for blacklisted talents to submit their work through, but the injustice around him pushes him to take a stand.Woody Allen stars as a man who becomes a "front," or stand-in, for a blacklisted screenwriter. The film documents the blacklisting of Hollywood actors, writers and directors (and others) due to political affiliations, in the height of the McCarthy era. The film was made with several people who were in fact blacklisted, which is why Allen did the film, even though he didn't write or direct it.
- DirectorJay RoachStarsBryan CranstonDiane LaneHelen MirrenIn 1947, Dalton Trumbo was Hollywood's top screenwriter, until he and other artists were jailed and blacklisted for their political beliefs.Bryan Cranston stars as screenwriter Dalton Trumbo, who found himself blacklisted in Hollywood, due to his politics. It features many of the figures on the Left and Right, in Hollywood and Washington and illustrates a dark era in American history, which rears its ugly head again, from time to time.
- DirectorGeorge ClooneyStarsDavid StrathairnGeorge ClooneyPatricia ClarksonBroadcast journalist Edward R. Murrow looks to bring down Senator Joseph McCarthy.Dramatization of Edward R Murrow's confrontation with Joseph McCarthy. McCarthy had built major power via attacks on alleged communist influences in America; but over-reached on two counts: attacking the US Army and taking on Edward R Murrow. Both had greater credibility with the American public and he lost those fights and ended his career in disgrace. David Strathairn does a tremendous job as Murrow, capturing his mannerisms and his style of speaking. It also demonstrates why CBS had the most respected news organization, until infotainment chipped away at it (arguably, when Walter Cronkite retired).
- DirectorRobert RedfordStarsRalph FiennesJohn TurturroRob MorrowA young lawyer, Richard Goodwin, investigates a potentially fixed game show. Charles Van Doren, a big time show winner, is under Goodwin's investigation.Though a minor event in American history, it shows how greed has influenced entertainment in America. The film dramatizes the quiz show scandals of the 50s, where it was revealed that popular contestants had been coached on their answers to keep them on the air. In other words, the quizzes were rigged. It led to major investigations and tighter regulation of television, though not necessarily the manipulation of the audience, for ratings.