Sergeant York - with Gary Cooper {1941}

Sgt. York [turns down a quarter of a million dollars worth of endorsements] What we done in France we had to do. And some that done it, didn't come back. And that kind of thing ain't for buying nor selling.

Directed by Howard Hawks
Written from the diary of Alvin York
Gary Cooper as Alvin C. York

Sergeant York 1941


The Story

Alvin C. York was a very poor and humble farm young man from the hills of Tennessee. He was the eldest son and as such he helped his mother put food on the table and tend to the farm work. Alvin was no stranger to raising hell and stirring up bar fights in the hill taverns of Tennessee and Kentucky. Besides drinking, fighting and kickin’ his heels up, Alvin was known for his shooting ability. He was a crack shot and was even compared to Daniel Boone. Then one day he meets a pretty young lady when his hounds chased a fox through her families property. Alvin fell in love and all of his priorities seemed to change. Instead raising a ruckus and drinkin’ too much, he decided to try and buy a farm. Alvin took to studying the good book and all he wanted was to get a farm in the bottom country and settle down with Miss Gracie Williams.

Then in 1918 his whole world is set upside down. The United States declares war on Germany. Most able bodied young men are drafted into the Army. By this time Alvin York is teaching in Sunday school is does not want to have to kill anyone. He files for an exemption as a conscientious objector. His request is denied and he is put in an infantry company, trained and sent to the trenches in France. By the time Alvin C. York leaves to return home, he is the most decorated American Soldier in World War I. Sergeant York is his story.


Conclusion

Sergeant York is a very unique story. I find it very odd and ironic that a conscientious objector ends up becoming the most decorated American soldier in World War I. The story is very interesting. The film is just over two hours long but it covers Alvin Yorks story just enough without over doing it. The film was made in 1941 and is black and white. As most of the film takes place in the hill country of Tennessee and not the front lines of the war, the black and white film is not much of a limitation. I really enjoyed the story and I thought Gary Cooper did an exceptional job as Alvin York.The supporting cast in the film were also very good. Walter Brennan and Joan Leslie also give very good performances.

I must admit that I don’t watch many films that were made prior to the 1950’s. I was not expecting anything too exciting as this film was made in 1941. My expectations were easily surpassed by the directing, cast, acting and the story. To say Sergeant York had a morale dilemma would be a serious understatement. His religion forbid him to kill. His country placed him in a position where he had to kill or be killed. His friends died and he returns home a decorated war hero. Now corporations offer to pay him hundreds of thousands to endorse their products. All Sergeant York wants to do is go back home to Miss Gracie Williams and build his farm. The film, Sergeant York was nominated for nine Academy Awards and received two; Best Actor in a Leading Role - Gary Cooper and Best film editing - William Holmes {1942}. I think most people would be glad they watched this film. Even by today’s standards this movie is a good one.


Similar Films

• To Hell and Back
• The Lost Battalion
• Pork Chop Hill
• Hamburger Hill
• The Thin Red Line
• Born On The Fourth of July

Run time; 2 Hour 14 Minutes
Rated; [R] War violence


Thanks for the read,

© 2007 Joe McMaster