Alvin 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.
Alvin C. York had been approached by producer Jesse L. Lasky several times, beginning in 1919, to allow a movie to be made of his life, but had refused, believing that "this uniform ain't for sale." Lasky convinced York that, with war threatening in Europe, it was his patriotic duty to allow the film to proceed. York finally agreed, but only on three conditions. First, York's share of the profits would be contributed to a Bible school York wanted to be built. Second, no cigarette-smoking actress could be chosen to play his wife. Third, only Gary Cooper could recreate his life on screen. Cooper at first turned down the role, but when York himself contacted the star with a personal plea, Cooper agreed to do the picture. Strangely, York did not mind the fact that Cooper was a chain smoker.
The highest-grossing film of 1941. Adjusted for inflation, it still remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time.
Gary Cooper, unable to participate in WWII due to his age and an old injury to his hip, felt strongly that this film was his way of contributing to the cause. He later said, "Sergeant Alvin C. York and I had quite a few things in common, even before I played him on screen. We both were raised in the mountains--Tennessee for him, Montana for me--and learned to ride and shoot as a natural part of growing up. 'Sergeant York' won me an Academy Award, but that's not why it's my favorite film. I liked the role because of the background of the picture, and because I was portraying a good, sound American character."
Gary Cooper's acceptance speech typified so many of the actor's performances when he said, "It was Sergeant Alvin C. York who won this award; Shucks, I've been in this business 16 years and sometimes dreamed I might get one of these things. That's all I can say! Funny, when I was dreaming, I always made a good speech." As he left the stage, he forgot the Oscar on the podium.