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.
- Director
- Writers
- Abem Finkel(original screen play)
- Harry Chandlee(original screen play)
- Howard Koch(original screen play)
- Stars
- Director
- Writers
- Abem Finkel(original screen play)
- Harry Chandlee(original screen play)
- Howard Koch(original screen play)
- Stars
- Won 2 Oscars
- 5 wins & 10 nominations total
Videos1
- Lemas Lem
- (as Howard da Silva)
- German Majoras German Major
- (as Charles Esmond)
- Sgt. Earlyas Sgt. Early
- (as Joseph Sawyer)
- Director
- 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
Storyline
- 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
- Certificate
- Passed
- Parents guide
Did you know
- TriviaAlvin 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.
- GoofsAs 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..."
- ConnectionsFeatured in The Voice That Thrilled the World (1943)
- SoundtracksMy 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
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.
- ccthemovieman-1
- Sep 28, 2006
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- The Amazing Life of Sergeant York
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $1,400,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $16,361,885
- Gross worldwide
- $16,364,924
- Runtime2 hours 14 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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