Story of G.I. Joe
With Burgess Meredith, Robert Mitchum, Freddie Steele.
US, 1945, 35mm, black & white, 109 min.
Print source: Academy Film Archive
Aldrich clearly gleaned much from his experience as assistant director of one of the most heartfelt and powerful of WWII combat films, William Wellman’s sensitive tribute to legendary war correspondent Ernie Pyle, the Hoosier who selflessly dedicated himself to capturing the voices and experiences of the American “dog face” until his death by enemy fire in the battle of Okinawa. A gentler compliment to Aldrich’s anti-war masterpiece Attack!, Wellman’s film offers an intimate vision of the experiences and fragile souls of the American foot solider, portrayed by a sterling cast lead by Robert Mitchum and the self-effacing Burgess Meredith as Pyle. Wellman’s bold use of portrait-like close-ups and a wandering voiceover transforms his film into a poignant momento mori urging the viewer to recall those faces and voices now lost to time and the tragedy of war.
Part of film series
Screenings from this program
Four Star Playhouse: The Squeeze, The Witness and The Hard Way
The Southerner
