The Sullivans

The Sullivans, also known as The Fighting Sullivans, is a 1944 American war film directed by Lloyd Bacon and starring Anne Baxter, Thomas Mitchell, and Selena Royle. This biographical drama is a touching and patriotic tribute to the real-life Sullivan brothers and their quintessentially American family, presenting a slice of history that captures the spirit of the era and the profound impact of World War II on the home front.

The film opens in the heartland of America with the close-knit Sullivan family, which consists of parents Tom and Alleta Sullivan, played by Thomas Mitchell and Selena Royle, and their five sons: George, Frank, Joe, Matt, and Al Sullivan. Each of the brothers is portrayed with distinctive personalities and dreams that endear them to the audience. The family's dynamics are warm and charming, and their small-town life in Waterloo, Iowa, is depicted with a gentle combination of nostalgia and realism.

Anne Baxter’s role in The Sullivans is that of Katherine Mary Sullivan, the loving sister-in-law married to one of the brothers. Her character serves as an emotional anchor throughout the movie, conveying the joys and sorrows experienced by the Sullivan family. Her performance is moving and provides a poignant perspective on the familial bonds that tie the Sullivans together.

The storyline unfolds with the brothers growing up, falling in love, and facing the trials and tribulations of life during the Great Depression. While the film showcases the individual paths each brother takes, it also emphasizes the unbreakable bond among them.

With the outbreak of World War II and the shocking news of the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Sullivan brothers are compelled to serve their country. Driven by a strong sense of duty and familial patriotism, they make a resolute decision to enlist in the United States Navy. However, they insist on one condition: that they serve together.

The Navy acquiesces to their request, and the brothers find themselves assigned to the same ship. The Sullivans portrays their military life with gritty realism along with the camaraderie and discipline that are part of everyday existence for sailors at war. War-time sequences are crafted with care to highlight the courage and resolve of the brothers as they face the trials of combat at sea.

As the movie progresses, the focus shifts back and forth between the brothers on the frontlines and the family back home in Iowa. The Sullivan parents and sister-in-law represent the millions of American families who eagerly await news from their loved ones, grappling with the blend of pride and apprehension that accompanies such a separation.

Without delving into spoilers, the film evolves into not only a tale of brotherhood and sacrifice but also a poignant testament to the Sullivan family's love and their impact on the nation. The Sullivans captures the emotional toll of wartime loss and the heroism of those who fight. Notably, the real-life events surrounding the Sullivan brothers served as a catalyst for a significant change in military policy regarding the deployment of siblings.

The movie stands out as a well-crafted melodrama that manages to avoid grandstanding and instead relies on solid performances from its ensemble cast. Director Lloyd Bacon effectively balances scenes of small-town American life with the stark realities of war, creating a narrative rhythm that engages viewers without resorting to heavy-handedness.

The cinematography of The Sullivans, reflective of the time in which it was made, offers a black-and-white palette that enhances the historical quality of the film. The visual storytelling complements the narrative, capturing the essence of an era defined by unity and the collective willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good.

Overall, The Sullivans endures as a poignant homage to the bravery and devotion of five brothers whose legacy would become part of naval history. It is also a larger reflection on the countless families whose lives were irrevocably altered by the war. The film is a classic example of the genre, known for its heartfelt performances, respectful tone, and the dignified portrayal of an American family during one of the most trying times in our history.