Battle Cry

Battle Cry is an American-made war drama film, released in 1955, that vividly brings World War II to life under the direction of Raoul Walsh. Its stellar ensemble cast boasts impressive performances from veterans like Van Heflin, Aldo Ray, and the beautiful Mona Freeman. The movie, with its captivating narrative and raw emotional appeal, superbly engages viewers, creating an overwhelmingly patriotic feeling, without being too cliché or stereotypical.

Based on the best-selling novel by former Marine Leon Uris, who also wrote the screenplay, Battle Cry is a poignant tale of love, camaraderie, internal struggles, and the harsh realities of war. The movie evokes different emotions, from laughter to tears, as the characters’ individual stories unfold throughout the narrative. Unlike typical war films that mainly focus on the gory battlefronts, it delves deeper into the personal lives of the soldiers, showing how war circumstances dictate their decisions and experiences both before and during WWII.

Heflin stars as Major Sam Huxley, a tough yet understanding commanding officer of a battalion marines. His performance convincingly navigates the intricacies of his character that strives to keep his men prepared for the unavoidable horrors of war while empathizing with their personal lives and dilemmas. Aldo Ray portrays Private Andy Hookens, a carefree and tough Texas farm boy who displays exceptional valor and camaraderie throughout the film. Gaining the respect of his peers, he often acts as the moral compass of the battalion.

Mona Freeman shines as Kathy, the delightful love interest of Private Danny Forrester, played by Tab Hunter. Their relationship is used as a subplot that narrates the tale of young love struggling against the turbulent times of war. These individual stories intertwine, detailing the unique trials each character undergoes.

The movie offers an intriguing look at Marines' preparatory phases of training and adapting to the military way of life, primarily set during their long stay in New Zealand. Detached from the battleground, their narratives gain depth by shedding light on their loves, losses, friendships, and the ache of leaving behind what’s familiar. The dynamic between soldiers and their families, lovers, and friends back home is insightfully depicted, further enhancing the emotional quotient of the film.

In addition to its sentimental subplots, Battle Cry does not disappoint in presenting its fair share of action sequences. As the marines are eventually deployed into the Pacific theatre of WWII, the film transitions to some intense war scenes. These sequences showcase the meticulously recreated battle strategies and technical details, complete with all the fear, brutality, and chaos generally associated with war cinema.

What makes Battle Cry stand out is its avoidance of serving pure propaganda despite being a typical war film of its era. Instead, it focuses more on the human side of the soldiers, their camaraderie, and the emotional toll of war, making it a moving and thought-provoking cinematic experience. The film's portrayal of military life encapsulates not only the heroics but also the hardships and struggles soldiers go through, often unseen in the big-screen war narratives.

Battle Cry also benefits tremendously from its strong technical aspects. The classic black-and-white cinematography adds to the dramatic depth of the narrative while Max Steiner's stirring score elevates the emotional experiences. Moreover, the remarkable attention to period-specific details, costumes, and set designs contribute significantly to the movie's overall authenticity and visual appeal.

In summary, Battle Cry is a brilliantly crafted war film that strikes a fine balance between emotional drama and thrilling action. It successfully humanizes the soldiers beyond their bravery and heroism, allowing the audience to connect and empathize with their journey. With an exceptional screenplay, standout performances, and commendable direction, Battle Cry offers a rich, engaging, and emotionally charged viewing experience that withstands the test of time.