The Red Badge of Courage
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Movie Reviews of The Red Badge of Courage
Movie Review: A great movie of an outstanding book
Summary: 5 Stars
This short 69 minute black and white 1951 film stars Audie Murphy in the John Huston film about a youth evolving into a man during a Spring 1862 battles of the Civil War. The title Red Badge of Courage refers to the badge given soldiers who are wounded, what is called today, a purple heart. Henry Fleming is the youth who is deadly afraid, especially frightened of becoming a coward and running away during the battle. Ironically, he is played by Audie Murphy the most decorated hero of World War Two. The narration in the film is quotes from Crane's masterpiece, a book written when Crane was only twenty-two years old. His language is superb. Murphy plays his part superbly. Viewers can see the fear in his face and gestures. The direction of the film is excellent, as is the scenery, and the acting by the supporting cast.
During the first attack by the confederate soldiers, the youth was firm. But then, during the second attack, when many of his fellow union soldiers turned and ran, he ran too. He ran around the periphery of the battle field and was hit on the head by another union soldier who was running away. He went back to his unit somewhat dazed, not knowing where else to go, and claimed that he had been fighting on the right flank, and that he was shot in the head. No one had seen him running, so no one knew that he had acted cowardly.
The unit is ordered to attack, and the youth, without thinking, rushes to the front to fire at the enemy soldiers. Then when the flag bearer falls dead, the youth lays down his rifle, takes up the flag, rushes to the front, and leads the unit with shouts of encouragement. His unit wins the battle, people talk of the youth's heroism, he turns from a youth into a man; but, as it is in life, a general who was not anywhere near the youth during the battle, got all the credit.
Movie Review: Different from war movies in that era
Summary: 5 Stars
Only after watching this movie did I realize that Audie Murphy is the most decorated soldier in WWII and hence an excellent choice for portraying a war hero. This movie is unusual in two aspects.
First, the theme may not be politically correct then - the reflection of a soldier amid battles of combat. Yet it echoes well with the present sentiments about a war - whether or not it is worth fighting in the first place. Thus, this movie was different from the war movies made back in the 40s and 50s where courage and good cause come naturally. The movie would have been much better received if it was to be released now.
Second, the cinematography is excellent and the combat scenes of the civil war in the open land are well captured. Apart from a brief appearance of a young woman as the Army marched past the civilians' residence, the movie showed only the soldiers and the not so advanced machinery. John Huston's fingerprints were all over the film with his signature portrayal of someone ordinary caught in the middle of something big (like Humphery Bogart in African Queen) The movie reveals the vulnerability of human beings and that courage develops over time. A fresh break from the present heavy armoured, special effects laden movie
Movie Review: This movie is a Matthew Brady photo come to life
Summary: 5 Stars
This movie is a Matthew Brady photo come to life. While it is true that the leads, Audie Murphy and Bill Mauldin, were not professional actors, they were cast for their wonderful faces and the fact that they had actually been through a recent war. Considering what Murphy had been through, his innocence and boyishness is a joy to behold. And they are surrounded by pros such as Andy Devine, Bill Easton and Royal Dano - as well as the usual Huston cronies. It has many moving vignettes - the captured Rebs being questioned by their Yankee peers, Andy Devine, as the jolly soldier, leading Murphy back to his unit, the General falling to prayer before battle, Murphy confessing his cowardice to Mauldin, the General promising to have supper with the men, etc...
The narration was added later because the studio had no confidence in Murphy being able to convey the story. This was years before Hollywood understood how effective non-professionals could be if directed properly. The studio also hated the General's high-pitched voice and so dubbed in a different actor and, of course, the complete butchering of whole scenes which reduced the movie to about 55 minutes.
With all its faults, this is one of Huston's true beauties.
Movie Review: Mangled but not totally destroyed
Summary: 5 Stars
Butchered by studio heads after director John Huston had wrapped production and left to make THE AFRICAN QUEEN, this is one of Huston's finest pictures and a terrific adaptation of Stephen Crane's great Civil War novel. Audie Murphy plays Henry Fleming, the Union soldier who talks the talk about seeing action for the first time, but can't walk the walk when it finally comes, and flees in the middle of battle.
Huston had filmed two battle scenes, though they were combined into one by the film editors; it's still the highlight of the picture and among the best battle scenes ever filmed, thanks mainly to the excellent photography by Harold Rosson. The original version that Huston shot is apparently lost forever, but this shortened one is still an excellent piece of movie making. Because the movie was so short, the studio sent it out as a "B" picture; considered as such it's probably the best "B" picture ever made.
Movie Review: If this Great film is what we get with people messing with it, what a masterpiece it would be if restored
Summary: 5 Stars
One of John Huston's better films(and that is saying a lot) the studio re cut this into what he called "A ...damn mess." Well even in this mess a great masterpiece has been formed. Audie Murphy(World War II's most decorated hero and only in his teen's I believe) plays the youth of the story and brings more talent than anyone ever gave him credit for to the role. You see the fear of battle in him and you can feel it through the screen also. His reaction to cannon and rifle fire remind me of my uncle who served in Nam and how he reacted to the sounds of battle after that.In this day and age of DVD's someone should try to find the lost footage to this and re cut it like Mr. Huston wanted it done so we can all see that Mr. Murphy was more than just a hero, he was a very talented actor who wasn't given the due he should have gotten while he was with us.