Sergeant York (1941) | |
| Director(s) | Howard Hawks |
| Producer(s) | Howard Hawks, Jesse L. Lasky, Hal B. Wallis |
| Top Genres | Action, Biographical, Drama, Historical, War |
| Top Topics | |
Featured Cast:
Sergeant York Overview:
Sergeant York (1941) was a Action - Black-and-white Film directed by Howard Hawks and produced by Howard Hawks, Hal B. Wallis and Jesse L. Lasky.
SYNOPSIS
This is one of the greatest of war sagas because it is the true story of a simple man who accomplishes extraordinary feats through quiet determination and faith. Cooper deservedly won acclaim for his portrayal of the WWI hero (York himself insisted that Cooper take the role if his story was filmed) from rural east Tennessee. At first hot-headed, with fast fists and no direction, Cooper first changes his life with hard work meant to earn land for a farm that will win him the hand of Leslie. He then takes a devout turn after divine intervention prevents him from murdering his rival for Leslie's affections. Reluctantly enlisted in WWI after denied conscientious objector status, Cooper performs heroic feats motivated by his desire to stop a German machine-gun nest from killing. Upon his return, Cooper is greeted with parades, Leslie's love, and a farm of his own presented by the people of Tennessee, bounty Cooper ascribes to God's grace. A compelling story, expertly directed by Hawks, of inner strength from inspired purpose first seen in York's personal struggles and then his actions on behalf of his comrades.
(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).
.Sergeant York was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2008.
Academy Awards 1941 --- Ceremony Number 14 (source: AMPAS)
| Award | Recipient | Result |
| Best Actor | Gary Cooper | Won |
| Best Supporting Actor | Walter Brennan | Nominated |
| Best Supporting Actress | Margaret Wycherly | Nominated |
| Best Art Direction | Art Direction: John Hughes; Interior Decoration: Fred MacLean | Nominated |
| Best Cinematography | Sol Polito | Nominated |
| Best Director | Howard Hawks | Nominated |
| Best Film Editing | William Holmes | Won |
| Best Music - Scoring | Max Steiner | Nominated |
| Best Writing | Abem Finkel, Harry Chandlee, Howard Koch, John Huston | Nominated |
| Best Picture | Warner Bros. | Nominated |
BlogHub Articles:
1001 Classic Movies: Sergeant York
By Amanda Garrett on May 17, 2016 From Old Hollywood FilmsSergeant York (1941), starring Gary Cooper, is one of the 1001 classic movies you should see. Each Monday, I'm going to recommend a classic movie you should see (for the reasons behind the 1001 series and reviews of earlier films covered go here). Throughout May, I'll celebrate the 75th anniversa... Read full article
Sergeant York (1941)
By 4 Star Film Fan on Nov 11, 2013 From 4 Star FilmsStarring a wonderful cast including Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, and Joan Leslie with director Howard Hawks, this is a feel-good film. Alvin C. York (Cooper) lives in a small town in Tennessee where he works hard but also drinks a lot. Over time however he becomes a devout Christian and falls for a ... Read full article
Sergeant York (1941)
By 4 Star Film Fan on Nov 11, 2013 From 4 Star FilmsStarring a wonderful cast including Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, and Joan Leslie with director Howard Hawks, this is a feel-good film. Alvin C. York (Cooper) lives in a small town in Tennessee where he works hard but also drinks a lot. Over time however he becomes a devout Christian and falls for a ... Read full article
Sergeant York
By Alyson on Mar 31, 2011 From The Best Picture ProjectI hate to make this comparison, but you know that film within Inglorious Basterds, Nation?s Pride? ?Today, this seems like the friendlier, American version, only instead of two hours of just patriotic shooting, we get the true story of a young man from rural Tennessee reformed by hard work and relig... Read full article
Sergeant York(1941).
By Dawn on Feb 18, 2011 From Noir and Chick FlicksSergeant York(1941). Biographical film about the life of Alvin York, the most-decorated American soldier of World War I. It was directed by Howard Hawks. The film was adapted by Harry Chandlee, Abem Finkel, John Huston, Howard Koch, and Sam Cowan (uncredited) from the diary of Alvin York as edited b... Read full article
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Quotes from
Zeke: We was born here!
Pastor Rosier Pile: War's way to the other side of the ocean, Alvin. Lots of things can happen before you get there. You put your trust in the Lord, and He'll look out for you.
Alvin: I done forgot the Lord! I ain't never gonna forget him again!
[Alvin puts a handful of dirt onto a plate at the table and pushes it toward his mother]
Mother York: That there's bottom land soil, ain't it? Queer how the folks on the bottom looks down on the folks on the top. It was always that way. No changin' it!
Alvin: I'm gonna *get* us a piece of bottom land!
Mother York: Your pa set out to get a piece of bottom land once. Nary a man ever tried any harder! Liked to *kill* hisself tryin'!
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Facts about
Joan Leslie was 16 when she made this film, the same age as the real Gracie. Alvin C. York had made it clear that he didn't want any actress with any sort of notoriety connected with her portraying his wife. He specifically said, "No Ooomph Girls!", a clear reference to Warner Bros. contract player Ann Sheridan. Incredibly, Jane Russell was considered, but the wholesome Leslie was ultimately chosen.
Alvin C. York had been approached by producer Jesse Lasky several times, beginning in 1919, to allow a movie to be made of his life, but had refused, believing that "This uniform ain't for sale." Lasky convinced York that, with war threatening in Europe, it was his patriotic duty to allow the film to proceed. York finally agreed - but only on three conditions. First, York's share of the profits would be contributed to a Bible School York wanted constructed. Second, no cigarette smoking actress could be chosen to play his wife. Third, that only Gary Cooper, could recreate his life on screen. Cooper at first turned down the role, but when York himself contacted the star with a personal plea, Cooper agreed to do the picture.
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