I bought this film yesterday. It was my first time seeing it this morning. It was OK, I especially liked Audie Murphy's portrayal of his MOH action at Holzwihr. For a 1955 movie, and in colour, it wasn't all too bad...
I too liked this film--which is one of Murphys finest movies. At the time this film was made--Murphy was 29 yrs old--which he didnt look like he was that age. Other notable people in the film were: Charles Drake as Brandon, Marshall Thompson (as the guy who knew all those women) David Janssen as the Artillery Observer Lieutenant and a very young (Cant think of the actors name) the guy who played Uncle Jesse in the TV series: "Dukes of Hazzard." Like you say--it snot an excellent film--but is one of my favs. One thing I could not stand was--seeing German Panzer Soldiers wearing U.S>Army Tank Crewmens Leather Helmets--should have been M-43 caps or Overseas caps. But what the hey?--its a nice movie to watch on any given afternoon or evening I have a nice 8x10 publicity still of that movie showing Audie Murphy crouching and I think he is holding his Thompson SMG. In fact--Peppy made it one of the avatars.
Carl - The actors name was Denver Pyle. He was known in later life for always having the beard. For those of you who not might remember or know this, this picture was filmed in Yakima, Washington which is the home to Fort Lewis's armored troops. Hence, the majority of pine trees shown during the film. Bill
Bill many thanks for the jog of my memory. I couldn't think of "Uncle Jesse's" name. Denver Pyle. I also remember him as a trapper with Grizzly Adams in Grizzly Adams--man I loved that show as a kid. I wonder if that Grizzly bear is still alive? [ 03. May 2003, 02:21 PM: Message edited by: C.Evans ]
He!| yeah! I watched "to hell and back" about 100 time when i was little. That's probaly one of the reasons i started liking WWII so much.
'To Hell And Back' was shown on UK TV yesterday and I watched it all the way through for the first time in many years. OK, it's certainly no 'Saving Private Ryan' but for its time, not actually such a bad war movie. It doesn't lay the sentimentality on too thickly, and the way in which Murphy's buddies are killed one after another actually has quite a strong impact. Also shown is that Murphy hankered after, and was denied, a career in the military and seems to me to hint at his later, rather unhappy life. Nice to see plenty of Shermans, too !
I liked seeing the Sherman tanks as well. However, I could not stand the sight of German Tank Crew wearing American Tanker helmets.
To Hell and Back is one of my favorites of all time. The book by the same name on which the movie was based is outstanding as well. One of the best books I have ever read. I highly recommend it.
I have a copy of the book which was published in the UK to coincide with the release of the film. I bought it cheaply years ago, still in its original dust-jacket....maybe I'd better get around to reading it.....
Years ago, I picked up a 1st printing, in a used book store. I think I paid all of about $25. cents for it. Still have it as well. I wonder what a 1st printing is worth these days?
