55 reviews
Sturges' best!
A great, great movie; one so-well written and with such astonishing momentum I can watch it twice in one sitting or just sample bits and pieces when I wish. Eddie Bracken, who was pretty hard to take in MIRACLE AT MORGAN'S CREEK, is perfect here. Raymond Walburn's performance is sheer genius; the section in which he dictates his speech first to his son and then his son's fiancee is hilarious -- a masterpiece of verbiage, characterization, and timing. Notice also, the subtle directing, such as when the camera pans in perfect time to catch the re-election poster. Beyond praise.
CONQUERING HERO packs an emotional wallop lacking, I think, in Sturges' other movies -- and I mean emotion other than joy and giddiness, of course. Bracken's speeches which frame the film are beautifully written, directed, and performed; the last speech is terribly moving.
Sturges lost his Paramount deal after this film, and never quite regained his footing. That famous clutch of films culminates here in his best film, and all his ingenuity and grace are firmly in place. God bless Preston Sturges.
CONQUERING HERO packs an emotional wallop lacking, I think, in Sturges' other movies -- and I mean emotion other than joy and giddiness, of course. Bracken's speeches which frame the film are beautifully written, directed, and performed; the last speech is terribly moving.
Sturges lost his Paramount deal after this film, and never quite regained his footing. That famous clutch of films culminates here in his best film, and all his ingenuity and grace are firmly in place. God bless Preston Sturges.
One of the Greatest Comedies Ever Made During the War
Last of the best of Sturges
The last of the really great comedies that Preston Sturges directed had a more serious undertone than his previous films. This is not to say that Hail the Conquering Hero isn't hilarious though. It is just as intelligent, fast-paced, subversive and witty as could be expected from the writer/director of The Lady Eve and The Palm Beach Story.
Eddie Bracken plays Woodrow Truesmith, a would-be marine who was discharged from service for chronic hay fever. Woodrow, whose father died a hero during WWI, hasn't had the heart to tell his mother about his discharge and has been pretending to still be on the front line. When he befriends a group of marines on leave, they dress him up as a hero and bring him home to make his mother happy, not anticipating that his whole town will give him a hero's welcome.
Considering that the film was made during the war, it is surprising the way it satirises the notion of the war hero as well as the attitudes of those who did not go away to fight. The awestruck townspeople are depicted as being rather gullible while the marines are shown as a tough, cohesive unit, if maybe a bit dishonest and mercenary (and in one case slightly unhinged). The film has fine production values and great performances across the board but it is Sturges' script, with its marvellous characterisations and sparkling dialogue, that really shines. If you like Preston Sturges' other, earlier comedies, this film is essential viewing.
Eddie Bracken plays Woodrow Truesmith, a would-be marine who was discharged from service for chronic hay fever. Woodrow, whose father died a hero during WWI, hasn't had the heart to tell his mother about his discharge and has been pretending to still be on the front line. When he befriends a group of marines on leave, they dress him up as a hero and bring him home to make his mother happy, not anticipating that his whole town will give him a hero's welcome.
Considering that the film was made during the war, it is surprising the way it satirises the notion of the war hero as well as the attitudes of those who did not go away to fight. The awestruck townspeople are depicted as being rather gullible while the marines are shown as a tough, cohesive unit, if maybe a bit dishonest and mercenary (and in one case slightly unhinged). The film has fine production values and great performances across the board but it is Sturges' script, with its marvellous characterisations and sparkling dialogue, that really shines. If you like Preston Sturges' other, earlier comedies, this film is essential viewing.
- n_m_mcnamara
- Apr 23, 2004
- Permalink
Let's Give Everett The Air
In a wonderful series of films between 1940 and 1948 Preston Sturgis rewrote the idea of film satire in Hollywood, taking apart political and business sacred cows, and showing a remarkably realistic view of sex in America despite the continued use of the so-called Hays Office and the moral code.
HAIL THE CONQUERING HERO is one of the best of these films. It deals with the issue of heroism and it's political value in wartime. Woodrow Truesmith (Eddie Bracken) is a 4-F who has been working in California in a plant because he could not get drafted. But his family and neighbors expect him to be in the army. His father was a war hero in World War I (he was named Woodrow Lafayette Pershing Truesmith after President Woodrow Wilson, General John Pershing, and the Marquis of Lafayette - supposedly Pershing's staff Major, Charles Stanton, made the statement "Lafayette we are here" when our troops arrived to help the French in 1918 - so that Woodrow was born about 1918). Bracken has lied in letters to his mother that he is a marine and a hero. He tells this to a small group of Marines, led by William Demerest (and including one named Bugsie, played by former boxer Freddie Steele) who decide to accompany him back to his home on their furlough. They go with him, and back up his lies, so that Bracken finds himself the town's leading hero - and a potential piece of political timber.
The town is run by two men, Al Briggs (the quiet but intelligent town boss) and Raymond Walburn, the richest man in town who is the mayor as well: Everett Noble. Walburn is always blustering, but he basically knows what's what. However it is Briggs who asks the right questions. When the reform party nominates Woodrow for Mayor, Briggs asks, "I wonder if he really is a hero?" And he starts making inquiries.
They have an unwitting ally: Woodrow himself. He finds the expansion of his lies too much pressure on him, and he questions it's value. But he can't buck his mother, his girlfriend (Ella Raines), nor Demerest, Steele, and the other Marines. They've learned that Woodrow is the only hope for the town's future because it's currently somewhat shoddy and corrupt in it's goals and actions. They can't let Woodrow confess.
What makes a hero? In HAIL THE CONQUERING HERO, set in the middle of WORLD WAR II, it turns out that heroism is not only found on a military front or battlefield, but can be found on the home front as well. It can take many forms, and sometimes it is at great personal humiliation and hurt. Bracken never had a better role (except for his other starring role for Sturgis in THE MIRACLE OF MORGAN'S CREEK), and demonstrate the growth of his moral stature quite well. Demerest, Walburn, Raines, Briggs all do well (Demerest in an oddly different role - he's a soldier, not a wise guy), and Freddy Steele's "Bugsie" is a wonderful portrait of a slightly mentally ill soldier with a mother fixation. Steele had a a career in movies in the 1940s, mostly in bit roles. This was his best performance.
HAIL THE CONQUERING HERO is one of the best of these films. It deals with the issue of heroism and it's political value in wartime. Woodrow Truesmith (Eddie Bracken) is a 4-F who has been working in California in a plant because he could not get drafted. But his family and neighbors expect him to be in the army. His father was a war hero in World War I (he was named Woodrow Lafayette Pershing Truesmith after President Woodrow Wilson, General John Pershing, and the Marquis of Lafayette - supposedly Pershing's staff Major, Charles Stanton, made the statement "Lafayette we are here" when our troops arrived to help the French in 1918 - so that Woodrow was born about 1918). Bracken has lied in letters to his mother that he is a marine and a hero. He tells this to a small group of Marines, led by William Demerest (and including one named Bugsie, played by former boxer Freddie Steele) who decide to accompany him back to his home on their furlough. They go with him, and back up his lies, so that Bracken finds himself the town's leading hero - and a potential piece of political timber.
The town is run by two men, Al Briggs (the quiet but intelligent town boss) and Raymond Walburn, the richest man in town who is the mayor as well: Everett Noble. Walburn is always blustering, but he basically knows what's what. However it is Briggs who asks the right questions. When the reform party nominates Woodrow for Mayor, Briggs asks, "I wonder if he really is a hero?" And he starts making inquiries.
They have an unwitting ally: Woodrow himself. He finds the expansion of his lies too much pressure on him, and he questions it's value. But he can't buck his mother, his girlfriend (Ella Raines), nor Demerest, Steele, and the other Marines. They've learned that Woodrow is the only hope for the town's future because it's currently somewhat shoddy and corrupt in it's goals and actions. They can't let Woodrow confess.
What makes a hero? In HAIL THE CONQUERING HERO, set in the middle of WORLD WAR II, it turns out that heroism is not only found on a military front or battlefield, but can be found on the home front as well. It can take many forms, and sometimes it is at great personal humiliation and hurt. Bracken never had a better role (except for his other starring role for Sturgis in THE MIRACLE OF MORGAN'S CREEK), and demonstrate the growth of his moral stature quite well. Demerest, Walburn, Raines, Briggs all do well (Demerest in an oddly different role - he's a soldier, not a wise guy), and Freddy Steele's "Bugsie" is a wonderful portrait of a slightly mentally ill soldier with a mother fixation. Steele had a a career in movies in the 1940s, mostly in bit roles. This was his best performance.
- theowinthrop
- Feb 3, 2006
- Permalink
WIN WITH WOODROW
A tip of the hat to the other commentors of this film. Their comments are enlightened and do justice to a real work of art. Here is my small contribution.
Eddie Bracken does a wonderful job as the meek, pitiful "hero", who just wants to go home. (The word that comes to mind is sanctuary. More than a place, it's a goal and ultimate need.) Home, back to his town, his mother, and his girl.
William Demarest, as the sergeant, shines. He gives a laudable performance. Or is it just him? His "bark" in this film is very reminiscent of another famous role of his, that of the "salty" Uncle Charley on the long running TV sitcom, "My 3 Sons".
The town is a delight. It is a typical small town of 50 years ago (or what we expect one to be). It's a warm friendly place with people you can count on. In typical small town American tradition, the truth is triumphant, everyone pulls together, and a tearful, happy ending is assured. I'm sure that if you close your eyes you'll be able to picture this place in your mind's eye.
A sentimental, funny, patriotic movie that would be very much appreciated during the dark days of war, it's charm still comes through 50 plus years later. It's one of my favorites.....
Eddie Bracken does a wonderful job as the meek, pitiful "hero", who just wants to go home. (The word that comes to mind is sanctuary. More than a place, it's a goal and ultimate need.) Home, back to his town, his mother, and his girl.
William Demarest, as the sergeant, shines. He gives a laudable performance. Or is it just him? His "bark" in this film is very reminiscent of another famous role of his, that of the "salty" Uncle Charley on the long running TV sitcom, "My 3 Sons".
The town is a delight. It is a typical small town of 50 years ago (or what we expect one to be). It's a warm friendly place with people you can count on. In typical small town American tradition, the truth is triumphant, everyone pulls together, and a tearful, happy ending is assured. I'm sure that if you close your eyes you'll be able to picture this place in your mind's eye.
A sentimental, funny, patriotic movie that would be very much appreciated during the dark days of war, it's charm still comes through 50 plus years later. It's one of my favorites.....
- renfield54
- Jun 9, 1999
- Permalink
IMHO, Sturges's best
Sure, I loved "The Palm Beach Story", "Sullivan's Travels", "The Lady Eve", "Miracle of Morgan's Creek", etc., but "Hail the Conquering Hero" holds up best for me. A brilliantly written comedy with very good performances from everyone. I really have nothing else to say except I think it's really pathetic that only 197 people have seen this movie and bothered to vote on it, while the garbage Hollywood serves us today gets thousands of votes. Don't settle for garbage! See THIS movie!
Very good satirical comedy
I initially picked this up because I had just seen Phantom Lady with Ella Raines and was very impressed with her work in that film noir thriller. In this film she has a decidedly less prominent role though whenever she is onscreen my enjoyment of the film intensified. This is the first of Eddie Bracken's work that I have encountered. I think he did well with both the dramatic and comedic elements of his chracter. I have seen a few of Preston Sturges' films and in my opinion the director succeeded handsomely with this effort. In addition to the leads he elicited excellent performances from the character actors most of whom are recognizable to avid film buffs like all of us in the IMDB community I'm sure. As a change of pace from the more traditional WW II films, Hero is very smart and entertaining comedy. Recommended, 7/10.
- perfectbond
- Mar 8, 2004
- Permalink
Brilliant satire on patriotism
Preston Sturges's companion piece to The Miracle of Morgan's Creek was this brilliant satire on patriotism and hero worship, with Eddie Bracken giving a touching performance as a 4-F reject whose elaborate system of lies snowballs when he runs into a troop of returning Marines who decide to help him maintain his imposture. Taking a lot of strands from Sturges's previous comedies, this film remains fresh and perceptive, with hilarious insights into politics, family values, and ethics. With the disenchantment with politics in today's society, where is Preston Sturges when we need him?
- lqualls-dchin
- Dec 20, 2000
- Permalink
A Pleasant Wartime Comedy With A Good Message About Heroism
Maybe the greatest example ever of the "ensemble film."
With literally dozens of identifiable characters, named and unnamed, this is a film in which nearly every shot is jammed full of faces -- in fact, it's nearly twenty minutes into the movie before a shot occurs in which the frame contains only a single human being (Mom taking hot buns out of the oven). Filmed and released during the darkest year of WWII, HERO is a smart, unjingoistic yet oddly patriotic comedy of the home front, and of our often short-sighted view of what makes a hero. One of Sturges' best and most innovative comedies -- and that's saying a lot!
not up to his usual standards
This typically madcap Preston Sturges satire about a 4F Marine reject (Eddie Bracken, suffering from chronic hay fever) who ultimately proves his bravery by admitting his cowardice makes a fitting companion piece to 'The Miracle of Morgan's Creek'. But perhaps it needs to be seen in the proper historical context of wartime deprivation and homefront morale boosting. Unlike the more daring comedy of the earlier film Sturges here wants to have it both ways: mocking the gullibility of Main Street USA while at the same time celebrating its innocence. Mom and apple pie emerge triumphant, as does the little soldier, and the war effort is well served in the process. Sturges was always a master of sophisticated slapstick entertainment (an oxymoronic combination to most comedy filmmakers), but this time his famous dialogue was more fast than furious, if at least delivered with familiar gusto by the director's usual company of stock players.
Preston Sturges just could not go wrong
Yet another perfect film from Preston Sturges, Hail the Conquering Hero is perhaps his most touching film, too. If you've seen Miracle at Morgan's Creek, then you have to see this one, and vice versa. They are sister films: Bracken plays a young sap who couldn't fight in WWII because of health reasons. Where Miracle was mostly about Bracken's quest to win a girl who's dumbstruck at the sight of a man in uniform, Hail deals itself an even better hand. Bracken's in a tight situation. The struggles are both comic and poignant. 10/10
too bad for the manic beginning
I like Sturges, and I liked quite a bit about this film. But the first 20 minutes is too over the top and tedious. Shrill pandemonium grated on me. The satire and sharp writing did not kick in until I had almost stopped watching and turned it off. If you can hang in there past the first half hour, you'll get some good laughs, especially from the Mayor.
- loverealfilm
- Apr 5, 2002
- Permalink
I respectfully disagree
with all of the comments from those who think this is a great film. I found it extremely nerve wracking. With the exception of a couple of blessedly calm and quiet scenes, this film is one long mass confusion scene with an almost non-stop procession of marching bands, the entire population of a small town, pompous town officials and, Eddie Bracken, playing his usual stereotypical role as a put upon, confused, wimpy personna. The bit with the bands starting to play before they are supposed to is overdone to the point of nausea. And, throughout this film, I found myself giving thanks that Franklin Pangborn is no longer with us so that he can never again subject viewers to his annoying, over-the-top emoting. I could go on and on but, what's the point. By now, you get my drift.
One of the funniest comedies ever made
Brilliant farce with more than a bitter-sweet tang about the attitudes of small town Americans towards the war and the people who served. The dialogue and pacing is first rate and Preston Sturges' stock cast are all excellent, not least Freddie Steele as the slightly dented Bugsy. His performance gives an odd edge to the film, being an awful actor and a poor comedian helps him stand out and appear as someone more real and genuine.
Sturges is Hollywood's most forgotten great director, writer and producer. Even though he shone brightly but briefly he made far superior comedies than Woody Allen's and those are pretty damn good themselves.
Sturges is Hollywood's most forgotten great director, writer and producer. Even though he shone brightly but briefly he made far superior comedies than Woody Allen's and those are pretty damn good themselves.
Wartime comedy with a moral and some good spoofing
We Must Consider the Time
This is the story of a man, swept away in a wave. At no time does he want what is thrown at him. The six Marines he meets in the bar take over his life and drive him to dishonor himself. Eddie Bracken does a great job of portraying this man who is conflicted. Everything happens so fast because the town he grew up in has become stagnant. The local politicians haven't done much to make the world a better place. So Woodrow is taken over, literally. There is great humor here, mostly based on the nonplussed Bracken trying to surf the wave of approval--which he had no right to. Sturges puts us in this era and makes what could be poppycock work. He and Capra managed in many ways to keep the chins of Americans up during a hard time. Of course, it's sappy and contrived, but this is different time and place. Cynicism wasn't what people needed. Very good.
Hail the Preston Sturges for this phoney war hero comedy that has moral and human values at its core.
Hail The Conquering Hero (1944) :
Brief Review -
Hail the Preston Sturges for this phoney war hero comedy that has moral and human values at its core. Hail The Conquering Hero is considered one of the best works of Sturges by many critics, but I just don't want to go into details now. For me, "Sullivan's Travels" (1941) will remain his best work, followed by "Christmas In July" (1940). Hail The Conquering Hero may end up in the top 5 for sure, though. This isn't an out-and-out comedy, so I can't say it's a great comedy, but it is a very good drama with a hint of comedy. Mr Woodrow is discharged from the military for hay fever, but six soldiers fabricate him as a recipient of a heroic honourable discharge before returning home. Things get hysterical and phenomenal for him, but deep down, he knows that a successful career cannot be built on deception. Here comes the moral and human values game, where Preston uses plausible human conflicts to make you believe in goodwill. Hail The Conquering Hero never goes out of context, and that's the biggest strength of the film. It is powered by good humour, war factors, and insane chaos. That political angle is just fabulous. I mean, a war hero becoming a small town sensation is fine, I agree, but then people gushing about him being a mayor and then a president is just too much and too funny to miss. Eddie Brackenas as a confused and innocent hero fits the bill, while Ella Raines has a decent role as his lover as well as ex-lover. Two of the most riotous actors in the cast are William Demarest and Raymond Walburn. The supporting cast is great too. Other than comics, I liked a couple of patriotic dialogues too. "Now I have two heroes. I have eight heroes." That touches in there in the chest. Overall, yet another fine piece of contemporary comedy drama by Surges that is a must watch for his fans.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.
Hail the Preston Sturges for this phoney war hero comedy that has moral and human values at its core. Hail The Conquering Hero is considered one of the best works of Sturges by many critics, but I just don't want to go into details now. For me, "Sullivan's Travels" (1941) will remain his best work, followed by "Christmas In July" (1940). Hail The Conquering Hero may end up in the top 5 for sure, though. This isn't an out-and-out comedy, so I can't say it's a great comedy, but it is a very good drama with a hint of comedy. Mr Woodrow is discharged from the military for hay fever, but six soldiers fabricate him as a recipient of a heroic honourable discharge before returning home. Things get hysterical and phenomenal for him, but deep down, he knows that a successful career cannot be built on deception. Here comes the moral and human values game, where Preston uses plausible human conflicts to make you believe in goodwill. Hail The Conquering Hero never goes out of context, and that's the biggest strength of the film. It is powered by good humour, war factors, and insane chaos. That political angle is just fabulous. I mean, a war hero becoming a small town sensation is fine, I agree, but then people gushing about him being a mayor and then a president is just too much and too funny to miss. Eddie Brackenas as a confused and innocent hero fits the bill, while Ella Raines has a decent role as his lover as well as ex-lover. Two of the most riotous actors in the cast are William Demarest and Raymond Walburn. The supporting cast is great too. Other than comics, I liked a couple of patriotic dialogues too. "Now I have two heroes. I have eight heroes." That touches in there in the chest. Overall, yet another fine piece of contemporary comedy drama by Surges that is a must watch for his fans.
RATING - 7/10*
By - #samthebestest.
- SAMTHEBESTEST
- Apr 9, 2022
- Permalink
Hilarious comedy skewering many of WWII's sacred cows.
Fallen Hero
Sturges set the bar very high with the four films preceding this one, including his masterpiece, "Sullivan's Travels." This one is disappointing. Bracken is given little to do except look outraged and embarrassed. Raines is pretty but there is little chemistry between her and Bracken. Demarest comes off best as the Sarge who tries to help Bracken soften the news of his discharge to his mother by making up a story of heroic exploits, a setup that has good comic possibilities. However, Sturges' script is surprisingly flat and unfunny, lacking the zaniness of his earlier efforts. After a brief period of inspiration marked by genius, Sturges seems to have abruptly lost it and this was the start of the decline.
He Hasn't Begun To Fight
When Woodrow Truesmith comes marching home, it's to the happiest homecoming any U. S. Marine ever saw: Marching bands, a mortgage- burning ceremony for his mother, even a campaign for mayor. But Truesmith's not only a reluctant hero, he's no hero at all.
Transforming a false-flag endeavor into the stuff of comedy would be a challenge for any writer-director circa World War II: Preston Sturges handles it with steady aplomb. Truesmith (Eddie Bracken) is no fraud; rather he's found himself with six real Marines who take to him and his failed effort to join their ranks, and decide to grant him the stature that hay fever denied. The fact Truesmith himself wants no part of this only makes it more interesting.
"They want heroes, we got six of 'em," says Marine Sgt. Heffelfinger (William Demarest). "All right, we throw in a seventh for good luck. Who's counting?"
Bracken and Demarest have some great back-and-forths, two overbearing actors who find just the right backboards in each other. When Truesmith refuses to wear a Marine uniform because it's against regulations, Sgt. Heffelfinger waves it off: "That only applies to Marines."
When the other five Marines take turns telling terrible Truesmith tales to the tipsy townspeople, Truesmith complains they are lying. Heffelfinger again holds firm: "Every one of those boys is telling the truth except they changed the names a little so as not to give out military information."
Why are the Marines so gung-ho on selling Truesmith so high? Some of it has to do with his father, a war buddy Heffelfinger saw fall at Belleau Wood. Heffelfinger probably senses Truesmith would have turned out the same had hay fever not gotten in the way, and he's keeping faith with the old man. Also, these six Marines still have a war to fight. By championing Truesmith, they are getting maybe their only chance at a heroic homecoming of their own.
And what a homecoming! Norman Rockwell couldn't have painted it better. Georgia Caine as Woodrow's mother makes breakfast for six new sons, while Ella Raines as the girl Woodrow left behind keeps putting off breaking the news that she's gotten engaged to someone else. This is comically difficult when everyone in town including the fiancé's mother is pulling for Woodrow.
The usual Sturges stock company shows up here; this time there's no awkward shoehorning as the characters have just enough time to make their unique impressions without clogging up the works. It's actually a marvelous thing how the movie flows together, a thrusting narrative that makes time for diverse voices by having everyone interrupt everyone else. Raymond Walburn as the narcissistic mayor even interrupts himself.
Just when things seem to be reaching critical mass, Sturges cuts to a tender moment between Bracken and Raines, or a tense one between Woodrow and one of the Marines (Freddie Steele) who suffers from undiagnosed PTSD and is fixedly determined that Woodrow not disappoint his mother, being he has no mother of his own. Even this isn't beyond Sturges' comedy.
"Are you nuts or something?" Woodrow asks him.
"Maybe," the Marine answers.
Sturges works a political campaign into the story, coded messages about greedy Republicans doing battle with selfless Democrats with a war hero thrown in the mix. It's very simplistic, but adds to the fun.
Sturges films can be exhausting, but "Hail The Conquering Hero" hits all the right notes. It has a lot to say about military service, and how people can contribute to a larger cause with or without putting themselves in combat. There are many ways to be a hero.
Transforming a false-flag endeavor into the stuff of comedy would be a challenge for any writer-director circa World War II: Preston Sturges handles it with steady aplomb. Truesmith (Eddie Bracken) is no fraud; rather he's found himself with six real Marines who take to him and his failed effort to join their ranks, and decide to grant him the stature that hay fever denied. The fact Truesmith himself wants no part of this only makes it more interesting.
"They want heroes, we got six of 'em," says Marine Sgt. Heffelfinger (William Demarest). "All right, we throw in a seventh for good luck. Who's counting?"
Bracken and Demarest have some great back-and-forths, two overbearing actors who find just the right backboards in each other. When Truesmith refuses to wear a Marine uniform because it's against regulations, Sgt. Heffelfinger waves it off: "That only applies to Marines."
When the other five Marines take turns telling terrible Truesmith tales to the tipsy townspeople, Truesmith complains they are lying. Heffelfinger again holds firm: "Every one of those boys is telling the truth except they changed the names a little so as not to give out military information."
Why are the Marines so gung-ho on selling Truesmith so high? Some of it has to do with his father, a war buddy Heffelfinger saw fall at Belleau Wood. Heffelfinger probably senses Truesmith would have turned out the same had hay fever not gotten in the way, and he's keeping faith with the old man. Also, these six Marines still have a war to fight. By championing Truesmith, they are getting maybe their only chance at a heroic homecoming of their own.
And what a homecoming! Norman Rockwell couldn't have painted it better. Georgia Caine as Woodrow's mother makes breakfast for six new sons, while Ella Raines as the girl Woodrow left behind keeps putting off breaking the news that she's gotten engaged to someone else. This is comically difficult when everyone in town including the fiancé's mother is pulling for Woodrow.
The usual Sturges stock company shows up here; this time there's no awkward shoehorning as the characters have just enough time to make their unique impressions without clogging up the works. It's actually a marvelous thing how the movie flows together, a thrusting narrative that makes time for diverse voices by having everyone interrupt everyone else. Raymond Walburn as the narcissistic mayor even interrupts himself.
Just when things seem to be reaching critical mass, Sturges cuts to a tender moment between Bracken and Raines, or a tense one between Woodrow and one of the Marines (Freddie Steele) who suffers from undiagnosed PTSD and is fixedly determined that Woodrow not disappoint his mother, being he has no mother of his own. Even this isn't beyond Sturges' comedy.
"Are you nuts or something?" Woodrow asks him.
"Maybe," the Marine answers.
Sturges works a political campaign into the story, coded messages about greedy Republicans doing battle with selfless Democrats with a war hero thrown in the mix. It's very simplistic, but adds to the fun.
Sturges films can be exhausting, but "Hail The Conquering Hero" hits all the right notes. It has a lot to say about military service, and how people can contribute to a larger cause with or without putting themselves in combat. There are many ways to be a hero.
Woodrow Lafayette Pershing Mendax.
- rmax304823
- Feb 24, 2010
- Permalink
A gentle comedic consideration of true heroism
This widely hailed classic, generally regarded as Preston Sturges' best (and thought to have lost the 1944 Oscar for best Screenplay mainly because writer/director Sturges had to compete against himself and his own Miracle At Morgan's Creek), is one of those rare films that actually get better with repeat viewings.
We first meet Woodrow Lafayette Pershing Truesmith (Eddie Bracken) sitting alone and depressed at the end of a nightclub bar near the defense plant where he has been patriotically working since being discharged from the Marines for "chronic hay fever" shortly after enlisting to be like his Marine father (who won a Congressional Medal of Honor, falling at WWI's battle of Bella Wood on the day Woody was born). We see him, in what appears to be a regular practice, buying drinks and food for a group of six Marines, led by William Demarest in the role of his long life.
The grateful Marines get Woody's story out of him - that he could not face going home following what he viewed as his "disgrace," and wrote his mother (letters mailed by soldiers shipped abroad) that he WAS serving over seas, and released his girlfriend who he was sure wouldn't want someone who couldn't serve. Freddy Steele's "Bugsy," raised in an orphanage, is so outraged that Woody would cut himself off from the Mother he didn't have, that he calls Woody's Mother, telling her that her son's been discharged following recovery from wounds and is coming home - starting the "little lie" that rapidly snowballs in comic complications.
All six Marines (after first setting up the core situation by forcing their own uniforms and medals on Woody on the train home to pull off the charade for his mother) are such solid, grounding presences throughout the film packed with Sturges' regular team of character players from Ray Walburn as the opportunistic more than corrupt small town mayor to Franklyn Pangborn as the general factotum, that it is almost criminal that only a couple of them are credited by name. The film's chief leap of faith is that any Marine would violate regulations as to the wearing of uniforms and medals not earned - but Sturges the screenwriter bridges this gap neatly between Woody passionately struggling NOT to be caught up in the charade and the soldiers themselves becoming trapped in it.
In the end, in a film not remembered for its subtlety, Sturges' actual subtlety nearly works against him by neither making his justifications as up front and memorable nor his "bad guys" as deeply villainous as, say, a Frank Capra might have, but the warmth and essential nobility of the true "hero" shine through and make this something of value far beyond the time it was made for.
In 1961, the tale came a-cropper in a noble attempt to turn it into a Broadway musical with a book by Larry Gelbart (M*A*S*H), a score by Moose (Peter Pan) Charlap & Norman Gimbel and direction and choreography by the great Bob Fosse (who was fired on the road in a dispute over his choreography!). The timing was off more than the content - half a decade later, once the Vietnam conflict had heated up and was still perceived as a noble effort (we were never told at the time that the war was to prop up a government which refused to participate in UN supervised popular elections when the French withdrew from their former colony because the nationalist general who led the drive for freedom - their George Washington - was sure to win), things might have been different. The demo recordings which survive are nice enough - but thanks to TCM and home video, the real deal is available and one of the best.
This is not a pro or anti-war film, it is simply a film set in wartime (and excellently capturing the home front of that time) which quite beautifully looks at the nature of quiet heroism. If you've never seen it, you should - if you have, it's worth another look. It's probably even better than you remember.
We first meet Woodrow Lafayette Pershing Truesmith (Eddie Bracken) sitting alone and depressed at the end of a nightclub bar near the defense plant where he has been patriotically working since being discharged from the Marines for "chronic hay fever" shortly after enlisting to be like his Marine father (who won a Congressional Medal of Honor, falling at WWI's battle of Bella Wood on the day Woody was born). We see him, in what appears to be a regular practice, buying drinks and food for a group of six Marines, led by William Demarest in the role of his long life.
The grateful Marines get Woody's story out of him - that he could not face going home following what he viewed as his "disgrace," and wrote his mother (letters mailed by soldiers shipped abroad) that he WAS serving over seas, and released his girlfriend who he was sure wouldn't want someone who couldn't serve. Freddy Steele's "Bugsy," raised in an orphanage, is so outraged that Woody would cut himself off from the Mother he didn't have, that he calls Woody's Mother, telling her that her son's been discharged following recovery from wounds and is coming home - starting the "little lie" that rapidly snowballs in comic complications.
All six Marines (after first setting up the core situation by forcing their own uniforms and medals on Woody on the train home to pull off the charade for his mother) are such solid, grounding presences throughout the film packed with Sturges' regular team of character players from Ray Walburn as the opportunistic more than corrupt small town mayor to Franklyn Pangborn as the general factotum, that it is almost criminal that only a couple of them are credited by name. The film's chief leap of faith is that any Marine would violate regulations as to the wearing of uniforms and medals not earned - but Sturges the screenwriter bridges this gap neatly between Woody passionately struggling NOT to be caught up in the charade and the soldiers themselves becoming trapped in it.
In the end, in a film not remembered for its subtlety, Sturges' actual subtlety nearly works against him by neither making his justifications as up front and memorable nor his "bad guys" as deeply villainous as, say, a Frank Capra might have, but the warmth and essential nobility of the true "hero" shine through and make this something of value far beyond the time it was made for.
In 1961, the tale came a-cropper in a noble attempt to turn it into a Broadway musical with a book by Larry Gelbart (M*A*S*H), a score by Moose (Peter Pan) Charlap & Norman Gimbel and direction and choreography by the great Bob Fosse (who was fired on the road in a dispute over his choreography!). The timing was off more than the content - half a decade later, once the Vietnam conflict had heated up and was still perceived as a noble effort (we were never told at the time that the war was to prop up a government which refused to participate in UN supervised popular elections when the French withdrew from their former colony because the nationalist general who led the drive for freedom - their George Washington - was sure to win), things might have been different. The demo recordings which survive are nice enough - but thanks to TCM and home video, the real deal is available and one of the best.
This is not a pro or anti-war film, it is simply a film set in wartime (and excellently capturing the home front of that time) which quite beautifully looks at the nature of quiet heroism. If you've never seen it, you should - if you have, it's worth another look. It's probably even better than you remember.
- eschetic-2
- Mar 13, 2010
- Permalink
That Preston Sturges could really make good films
Buy War Bonds; or Sturges' missed opportunity
Preston Sturges' little film, "Sullivan's Travels" has been a favorite of mine for a very long time. Since my discover of it through the Criterion collection, I have been impressed with the comic mind of Sturges and his ability to use dark modern issues as a backdrop for something that audiences could laugh at. In "Sullivan's Travels" it was the story of a Hollywood director trying to become a hobo to learn about life. While it seems dismal, it provided quite a bit of laughs with an ending that not only solidifies Sturges' ability, but also creates brain candy for hours afterwards. Thus, it was no surprise that when "Hail the Conquering Hero" arrived to view - that same excitement for Sturges' overcame me. I was ready for laughter coupled with a sensitive discussion about an ageless topic. Alas, what was viewed, was a cute movie that felt longer than necessary, a comic film with repetitive jokes, and a satire on patriotism that merely scratched the surface to what could have been another ageless film. Instead, "Hail the Conquering Hero" felt dated, lacked the push to make it pioneering, and honestly, felt safe. This was a rushed Sturges film, despite the Oscar nomination, and like Eddie Braken's speech at the end, needed to have a stronger voice of truth. Too many missed elements coupled with repeat jokes caused "Hail the Conquering Hero" to miss it's mark and remain a "cute" movie.
The concept is an easy one. You probably have seen it a dozen times before in other films; the son of a war hero is discharged from the army for chronic hay fever, and refuses to go home to face his mother. Enter a band of surly, obvious Army-type figures who influence him into going home looking like a decorated war hero. Hilarity attempts to ensue as the town welcomes him with open arms with such grandiose statements as a parade in his honor, the burning of his mother's mortgage, and the eventual nomination for mayor. As much as Eddie Bracken tries to avoid the applause, he gets further thrust into it. This is a moment where Sturges doesn't quite live up to his comedic hype. There are moments where the scenes are very funny, but Sturges overuses the same jokes again and again that it eventually infects the rest of the film. What should have been witty jokes to move the pace, instead become so repetitive that the nearly hour and half feels like two-plus hours behind the wheel of this vehicle. Braken gives the stationary look of shock throughout, Sgt. Heppelfinger gives the same stern look, and moments of comedy are replaced with awkward settings that should have been funny, but instead failed. Scenes which are reminiscent of this failure are; Braken's arrival home - the entire set up for his grand arrival was funny at first, but as the scene pathetically continued - it just felt claustrophobic and stagnate. This could be said again for the scene where he is about to be nominated for mayor. What should have been funny wasn't - and I think it is because Sturges couldn't control the scenes. Too much in too little time provided minimal laughs.
While I claim that our characters were feeling a bit stale, I do argue that they were the strongest element in this film. There were secondary characters that Sturges gave a small string of screen time, and they stole each second. Look out for the priest who burns the mortgage, hilarious; look for the southern Mayor who owns the Chair factory; again - hilarious. I could even laugh again at the Army man who had this fascination with people's mothers. Yet, our major characters couldn't quite reach this level. While the characters were disappointing, the scene structure was obtrusive by Sturges, the actual story was relatively exciting. I loved this concept, the themes of battles not only happening on the front lines, but also at home was impressive. The constant reminders that WAR BONDS were for sale was a small jab at the Government by Sturges, and the universal mind of the soldier who also turned out to be the Braken's guardian angels was delicious. Sturges had a strong mapped film, one just wonders if he was happy with the final product. Again, there were smart elements and there were mediocre moments, all together just making a "cute" one-time viewing movie.
Overall, Sturges again entertained, but he did not impress. This was a "cute" film that just felt too long at certain scenes and at others it felt like missed opportunity. This could have been a stronger satire on patriotism, but jokes fell flat. Sub-characters took control and created a strong town, but the ones that were leading us felt stale from the beginning. I was looking forward to this film due to my admiration towards Sturges, but "Hail the Conquering Hero" didn't live up to the hype. "Sullivan's Travels" continues to be my favorite as I continue to view more from this infamous director's cannon. I was happy to see that the screenplay was Oscar nominated, but not surprised that it didn't win. Good, not great - "cute" - not classic.
Grade: ** 1/2 out of *****
The concept is an easy one. You probably have seen it a dozen times before in other films; the son of a war hero is discharged from the army for chronic hay fever, and refuses to go home to face his mother. Enter a band of surly, obvious Army-type figures who influence him into going home looking like a decorated war hero. Hilarity attempts to ensue as the town welcomes him with open arms with such grandiose statements as a parade in his honor, the burning of his mother's mortgage, and the eventual nomination for mayor. As much as Eddie Bracken tries to avoid the applause, he gets further thrust into it. This is a moment where Sturges doesn't quite live up to his comedic hype. There are moments where the scenes are very funny, but Sturges overuses the same jokes again and again that it eventually infects the rest of the film. What should have been witty jokes to move the pace, instead become so repetitive that the nearly hour and half feels like two-plus hours behind the wheel of this vehicle. Braken gives the stationary look of shock throughout, Sgt. Heppelfinger gives the same stern look, and moments of comedy are replaced with awkward settings that should have been funny, but instead failed. Scenes which are reminiscent of this failure are; Braken's arrival home - the entire set up for his grand arrival was funny at first, but as the scene pathetically continued - it just felt claustrophobic and stagnate. This could be said again for the scene where he is about to be nominated for mayor. What should have been funny wasn't - and I think it is because Sturges couldn't control the scenes. Too much in too little time provided minimal laughs.
While I claim that our characters were feeling a bit stale, I do argue that they were the strongest element in this film. There were secondary characters that Sturges gave a small string of screen time, and they stole each second. Look out for the priest who burns the mortgage, hilarious; look for the southern Mayor who owns the Chair factory; again - hilarious. I could even laugh again at the Army man who had this fascination with people's mothers. Yet, our major characters couldn't quite reach this level. While the characters were disappointing, the scene structure was obtrusive by Sturges, the actual story was relatively exciting. I loved this concept, the themes of battles not only happening on the front lines, but also at home was impressive. The constant reminders that WAR BONDS were for sale was a small jab at the Government by Sturges, and the universal mind of the soldier who also turned out to be the Braken's guardian angels was delicious. Sturges had a strong mapped film, one just wonders if he was happy with the final product. Again, there were smart elements and there were mediocre moments, all together just making a "cute" one-time viewing movie.
Overall, Sturges again entertained, but he did not impress. This was a "cute" film that just felt too long at certain scenes and at others it felt like missed opportunity. This could have been a stronger satire on patriotism, but jokes fell flat. Sub-characters took control and created a strong town, but the ones that were leading us felt stale from the beginning. I was looking forward to this film due to my admiration towards Sturges, but "Hail the Conquering Hero" didn't live up to the hype. "Sullivan's Travels" continues to be my favorite as I continue to view more from this infamous director's cannon. I was happy to see that the screenplay was Oscar nominated, but not surprised that it didn't win. Good, not great - "cute" - not classic.
Grade: ** 1/2 out of *****
- film-critic
- Nov 25, 2009
- Permalink