3 Classic War Films Vol. 2
Sergeant York (1941), The Best Years of Our Lives (1946), and The Longest Day (1962)
Welcome back! I hope that you all enjoyed Vol. 1 of 3 Classic War Films, and if you’re new go ahead and check it out. There you can discover more films, learn more about why I find these films so important, as well as my selection process.
Sergeant York (1941)- 2 hrs 14 mins
In one of his most memorable roles, Gary Cooper stars as the real-life Sergeant Alvin York. York may be one of the best marksman in Tennessee, but his constant drinking and reckless behavior have garnered him an unfavorable reputation. Nevertheless, his widowed mother and two siblings continue to pray for him, and it isn’t long before York becomes a convert to Christianity. He’s ready to start life afresh and determined to marry the lovely Gracie Williams (Joan Leslie), but when he gets drafted into WWI, he struggles with reconciling his newfound beliefs with what is required of war.
A true and inspiring story of one of the most decorated soldiers of WW1, Sergeant York is a heartfelt, yet warmingly comedic, drama.
Availability: Amazon video, Googleplay, and DVD.
Purchase DVD: https://www.amazon.com/Sergeant-York-Gary-Cooper/dp/B001U2FASE/ref=tmm_dvd_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)- 2 hrs 52 mins
The war is over and three WW2 veterans (Frederick March, Dana Andrews, and Harold Russell) are ready to return home to their small town. Each must face their inevitably changed lives, as one returns home to his wife and now grown children, another to the virtually unknown wife he met at a canteen just before leaving, and the other to his family and high school sweetheart now with the loss of his hands.
Winner of seven Oscars, The Best Years of Our Lives beautifully captures the story of these three men and their families. The effects of war don’t end on the battlefield. This film brought this to the public eye when the world had just come out of a devastating war and everyone was ready to move on but couldn't.
Availability: Youtube, Amazon video, Googleplay, DVD, and Blu-ray.
Purchase DVD: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/the-best-years-of-our-lives-dvd-1946/20873663.p?skuId=20873663&ref=212&loc=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjw1q3VBRCFARIsAPHJXrHCSLitNttIN9d-2HRymHmmPloIlGifEH_104UjHtKm26Um9KIjbxkaAnA1EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Purchase Blu-ray: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Years-Our-Lives-Blu-ray/dp/B009L147EE
The Longest Day (1962)- 2 hrs 58 mins
The Longest Day depicts the events of D-day and what followed with great accuracy. We get to see the German High Command, the Allied troops- the men in the air and those on the ground- as well as the support of the French resistance, among others.
Supported by a rich cast that includes John Wayne, Sean Connery, and Henry Fonda, there really isn’t much to be said- you just need to see the film for yourself! Below is one of the film's most poignant scenes.
Availability: Youtube, Amazon video, Googleplay, DVD, and Blu-ray
When his parachute catches on a church, Private Steele (Red Buttons) watches in horror as the rest of his paratrooper squad gets slaughtered by Nazis.
Purchase DVD: https://www.bestbuy.com/site/the-longest-day-dvd-1962/4417839.p?skuId=4417839&ref=212&loc=1&ds_rl=1266837&ref=212&loc=1&ds_rl=1266837&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-onjBRDSARIsAEZXcKY4Dm0p3XuHgAiuy98rKtiG_P6W4RDxX3v1UlCMjsYUsZTnbPIFCLAaAodfEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
Purchase Blu-ray: https://www.amazon.com/Longest-Day-Blu-ray-John-Wayne/dp/B00158K0RY/ref=tmm_blu_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=