Hail the Conquering Hero (1944)

User Rating:

7.9/10   

Director:

Preston Sturges

Writer:

Preston Sturges (writer)

Release Date:

9 AUGUSZTUS 1944 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

MIRACLES DO HAPPEN! (original print ad - all caps)

Plot:

Having been discharged from the Marines for a hayfever condition before ever seeing action, Woodrow...

Plot Keywords:

Mother | Mayor | Irony | Beautiful Woman | Politician

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar.

Cast

Eddie Bracken	...	Woodrow Lafayette Pershing Truesmith
Ella Raines	...	Libby
Raymond Walburn	...	Mayor Everett D. Noble
William Demarest	...	Sgt. Heppelfinger
Franklin Pangborn	...	Committee Chairman
Elizabeth Patterson	...	Libby's Aunt
Georgia Caine	...	Mrs. Truesmith
Al Bridge	...	Political Boss (as Alan Bridge)
Freddie Steele	...	Bugsy
Bill Edwards	...	Forrest Noble
Harry Hayden	...	Doc Bissell
Jimmy Conlin	...	Judge Dennis
Jimmie Dundee	...	Cpl. Candida
Chester Conklin	...	Western Union Man
Esther Howard	...	Mrs. Noble

Runtime:

101 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Canada:PG (Ontario) | Sweden:Btl | UK:U | USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

Paramount Ranch - 2813 Cornell Road, Agoura, California, USA

Company:

Paramount Pictures

Trivia:

As the marines are leaving the Oakdale station, a billboard behind them is advertising The Miracle of Morgan's Creek (1944), another film by Preston Sturges.

Goofs:

Continuity: Early in the movie, in the nightclub, there's a shot of a man sitting at a table eating a sandwich. After a quick cutaway the man is smoking and the sandwich is on his plate...untouched.

Quotes:

Alfie: It'll probably all be over by the time I'm old enough.
Mr. Schultz: From your mouth to Heaven's ear...

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "The Patty Duke Show: The Conquering Hero (#1.8)" (1963)

Soundtrack:

Mademoiselle from Armentieres

WIN WITH WOODROW

A tip of the hat to the other commentors of this film. Their comments are enlightened and do justice to a real work of art. Here is my small contribution.

Eddie Bracken does a wonderful job as the meek, pitiful "hero", who just wants to go home. (The word that comes to mind is sanctuary. More than a place, it's a goal and ultimate need.) Home, back to his town, his mother, and his girl.

William Demarest, as the sergeant, shines. He gives a laudable performance. Or is it just him? His "bark" in this film is very reminiscent of another famous role of his, that of the "salty" Uncle Charley on the long running TV sitcom, "My 3 Sons".

The town is a delight. It is a typical small town of 50 years ago (or what we expect one to be). It's a warm friendly place with people you can count on. In typical small town American tradition, the truth is triumphant, everyone pulls together, and a tearful, happy ending is assured. I'm sure that if you close your eyes you'll be able to picture this place in your mind's eye.

A sentimental, funny, patriotic movie that would be very much appreciated during the dark days of war, it's charm still comes through 50 plus years later. It's one of my favorites.....