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Sergeant York

  • 19411941
  • PassedPassed
  • 2h 14m
IMDb RATING
7.7/10
18K
YOUR RATING
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, and Joan Leslie in Sergeant York (1941)
Official Trailer
Play trailer2:00
1 Video
99+ Photos
  • Biography
  • Drama
  • History

A Tennessee farmer and marksman is drafted in World War I, and struggles with his pacifist inclinations before becoming one of the most celebrated war heroes.A Tennessee farmer and marksman is drafted in World War I, and struggles with his pacifist inclinations before becoming one of the most celebrated war heroes.A Tennessee farmer and marksman is drafted in World War I, and struggles with his pacifist inclinations before becoming one of the most celebrated war heroes.

IMDb RATING
7.7/10
18K
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Howard Hawks
  • Writers
    • Abem Finkel(original screen play)
    • Harry Chandlee(original screen play)
    • Howard Koch(original screen play)
  • Stars
    • Gary Cooper
    • Walter Brennan
    • Joan Leslie
Top credits
  • Director
    • Howard Hawks
  • Writers
    • Abem Finkel(original screen play)
    • Harry Chandlee(original screen play)
    • Howard Koch(original screen play)
  • Stars
    • Gary Cooper
    • Walter Brennan
    • Joan Leslie
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 127User reviews
    • 52Critic reviews
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Won 2 Oscars
      • 5 wins & 10 nominations total

    Videos1

    Sergeant York
    Trailer 2:00
    Sergeant York

    Photos102

    Gary Cooper during the filming of "Sergeant York" 1941
    "Sergeant York" Gary Cooper 1941 Warner Bros. **I.V.
    Gary Cooper in Sergeant York (1941)
    Gary Cooper in Sergeant York (1941)
    Gary Cooper in Sergeant York (1941)
    Elisha Cook Jr. in Sergeant York (1941)
    Gary Cooper and Joan Leslie in Sergeant York (1941)
    Gary Cooper and Walter Brennan in Sergeant York (1941)
    Gary Cooper in Sergeant York (1941)
    Gary Cooper and Joan Leslie in Sergeant York (1941)
    Gary Cooper in Sergeant York (1941)
    Sergeant York (1941)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Gary Cooper
    Gary Cooper
    • Alvin C. Yorkas Alvin C. York
    Walter Brennan
    Walter Brennan
    • Pastor Rosier Pileas Pastor Rosier Pile
    Joan Leslie
    Joan Leslie
    • Gracie Williamsas Gracie Williams
    George Tobias
    George Tobias
    • 'Pusher' Rossas 'Pusher' Ross
    Stanley Ridges
    Stanley Ridges
    • Maj. Buxtonas Maj. Buxton
    Margaret Wycherly
    Margaret Wycherly
    • Mother Yorkas Mother York
    Ward Bond
    Ward Bond
    • Ike Botkinas Ike Botkin
    Noah Beery Jr.
    Noah Beery Jr.
    • Buck Lipscombas Buck Lipscomb
    June Lockhart
    June Lockhart
    • Rosie Yorkas Rosie York
    Dickie Moore
    Dickie Moore
    • George Yorkas George York
    Clem Bevans
    Clem Bevans
    • Zekeas Zeke
    Howard Da Silva
    Howard Da Silva
    • Lemas Lem
    • (as Howard da Silva)
    Charles Trowbridge
    Charles Trowbridge
    • Cordell Hullas Cordell Hull
    Harvey Stephens
    Harvey Stephens
    • Capt. Danforthas Capt. Danforth
    David Bruce
    David Bruce
    • Bert Thomasas Bert Thomas
    Carl Esmond
    Carl Esmond
    • German Majoras German Major
    • (as Charles Esmond)
    Joe Sawyer
    Joe Sawyer
    • Sgt. Earlyas Sgt. Early
    • (as Joseph Sawyer)
    Pat Flaherty
    Pat Flaherty
    • Sgt. Harry Parsonsas Sgt. Harry Parsons
    • Director
      • Howard Hawks
    • Writers
      • Abem Finkel(original screen play)
      • Harry Chandlee(original screen play)
      • Howard Koch(original screen play)
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit
    Somewhat fictionalized account of the life and war service of Alvin York, who went from humble beginnings to being one of the most celebrated American servicemen to fight in World War I. As depicted in the film, Alvin turned to religion when he was struck by lightning during one of his drunken outings. Alvin took his newfound religion seriously claiming to be a conscientious objector when receiving his draft notice. When that was refused, he joined the infantry where he served with valor, capturing a large number of Germans and saving the lives of many of his men who were under heavy fire. —garykmcd
    • american in france
    • american in europe
    • military propaganda
    • embroidery
    • war propaganda
    • 220 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Taglines
      • America's Greatest Modern Hero! Timelier today than ever... thrilling and inspiring story of the kind of men that America is made of!
    • Genres
      • Biography
      • Drama
      • History
      • Romance
      • War
    • Certificate
      • Passed
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Alvin C. York himself was on the set for a few days during filming. When one of the crew members tactlessly asked him how many "Jerries" he had killed, York started sobbing so vehemently he threw up. The crew member was nearly fired, but the next day, York demanded that he keep his job.
    • Goofs
      As General John J. Pershing is shown awarding York the MEDAL OF HONOR, he says that York is being awarded The Congressional Medal of Honor, which is incorrect. As the award citation includes the phrase "in the name of Congress", it is sometimes erroneously called the Congressional Medal of Honor; however, the official name of the medal is, and has always been, MEDAL OF HONOR. As the highest ranking American Army officer of that time, General John J. Pershing would certainly have known that, and would not have made that mistake at Alvin C. York's actual award ceremony.
    • Quotes

      Alvin: Well I'm as much agin' killin' as ever, sir. But it was this way, Colonel. When I started out, I felt just like you said, but when I hear them machine guns a-goin', and all them fellas are droppin' around me... I figured them guns was killin' hundreds, maybe thousands, and there weren't nothin' anybody could do, but to stop them guns. And that's what I done.

      Maj. Buxton: Do you mean to tell me that you did it to save lives?

      Alvin: Yes sir, that was why.

      Maj. Buxton: [amazed] Well, York, what you've just told me is the most extraordinary thing of all!

    • Crazy credits
      "We are proud to present this picture, and are grateful to the heroic figures, still living, who have generously consented to be portrayed in its story.

      To their faith and ours, that a day will come when man will live in peace on earth, this picture is humbly dedicated.

      High in the heart of the Cumberland Mountains in Tennessee, lies the Valley of the Three Forks of the Wolf, and here in the spring of the year 1916..."
    • Connections
      Featured in The Voice That Thrilled the World (1943)
    • Soundtracks
      My Country 'tis of Thee
      (uncredited)

      Music from "God Save the King"

      Traditional

      Played over the opening credits and occasionally throughout the picture

      Also played at the British medal ceremony

    User reviews127

    Review
    Top review
    8/10
    Values Like These Seldom Seen On Film Anymore
    Perhaps when this comes out on DVD later in the year (2006), I'll enjoy this as I did when I first saw it on tape. Subsequent VHS viewings were nowhere as appealing at that first look, unfortunately. As most people know, this is the story of World War I hero Alvin York, who went from drunken good-for-nothing to solid Christian man and war hero.

    Gary Cooper certainly was a great choice for the role. Few people in his era were better at playing modest, soft-spoken-but-manly heroes like "Coop." When "York" makes no apology for his 100 percent belief in the Bible, no one challenges him because he's earned the respect from all, believers and non- believers. Cooper's status as an actor helps make that all the more "believable." Sgt. York also gives one of the best examples of forgiveness I've ever seen on film.

    Another nice feature of this movie is seeing Joan Leslie in the female lead. She was one of the most pretty and wholesome-looking ladies of her day. She's always a treat to see. Walter Brennan also is interesting, as usual, and in here plays a minister, which also was a surprise.

    Much of this film was a surprise because I'm just not used to seeing on film things like true forgiveness, the hero citing Scripture, military officers shown in a compassionate light (letting York, with his pacifistic views, decide what he anted to do) etc. What a shame so few films in the last 50 years have had similar values.
    helpful•61
    15
    • ccthemovieman-1
    • Sep 28, 2006

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • September 27, 1941 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
      • German
    • Also known as
      • The Amazing Life of Sergeant York
    • Filming locations
      • Tennessee, USA
    • Production company
      • Warner Bros.
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $1,400,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $16,361,885
    • Gross worldwide
      • $16,364,924
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 14 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.37 : 1

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