Pride of the Marines

Most war films made in the US during WWII were great fun to watch but suffered from severe gaps in realism because they were being produced more for propaganda value to raise the spirits at home than anything else. I am not knocking these films as many of them are still very watchable. However, because they so often lack realism they are prevented from being truly great films. A perfect example was the John Garfield film Air Force--in which a B-17 nearly single-handedly takes out half the Japanese air force! However, Pride Of The Marines is a welcome departure--scoring high marks for portraying a true story in a reasonably accurate manner. When I first saw this film, I thought it was NOT a true story as it seemed way too improbable to be true. However, after researching further I found that it was in fact rather true to the amazing story of two men who did so much to earn the Medal of Honor. This is one case where real life seemed too incredible to be true!

Of the many fine talents in the Warner Bros. "stock company," the three leads in "Pride of the Marines" may be considered the "cream of the crop." John Garfield, Eleanor Parker and Dane Clark really never gave a bad performance. Each seemingly could take on any role and make it his/her own.

No matter how weak the script may be, these professionals could work wonders with their honed skill and formidable natural talent. In the case of this film, they had very good material to work with, and their chemistry is invigorating.

Garfield, Parker and Clark are at the peak of their careers here, and it's a pleasure to watch them move from light comedy to serious drama effortlessly. Franz Waxman's score is likewise to be commended, along with the secure direction and razor sharp cinematography.

A most enjoyable and moving film.

What happened to Schmid in a foxhole, happened to my 19 year old uncle, only he and most of his buds didn't come back. We must never forget the soldiers of WW II, particularly because there are fewer and fewer survivors each year. I remember, growing up in the 1970s, the same exact situation concerning veterans of WORLD WAR I. Today they're all gone, but never forgotten. PRIDE OF THE MARINES is a monumental tribute to every soldier from every war, but particularly those who returned home with battle scars that could never be erased. John Garfield as Schmid brings realism to a role that scores of soldiers could relate to, and to this very day. This is an extremely well crafted and, yet haunting story that you will not forget, special credit going to an exceptional supporting cast. Dane Clark, a great actor in his own right, is superb as Garfield's tell it like it is war buddy, likewise a victim, but without scars on the outside. Same said for Eleanor Parker, in an early role. One war film you have to see at least once, but I guarantee you'll want to see it again for some truly classic scenes. Thank you so much to the producers of this masterpiece who put their heart in their work.

Though not central to the story of Al Schmid's difficult rehabilitation, the short segment depicting his combat on Guadalcanal is superbly done. It is so technically accurate that it might serve as an instructional film on use of the Browning M1917 heavy machine gun. This level of authenticity was extremely rare in the 1940s and bespeaks a serious commitment by the director and (presumably) the marine corps. Apart from that, however, the tension and terror of nocturnal combat is extraordinarily well depicted. Such realism was rare in the decades before "Saving Private Ryan."

Having seen this film about 20 years ago, but I was impressed to find it even more moving when viewed today. John Garfield and Dane Clark gave two of their finest performances in this movie about a Marine blinded on Guadacanal. This story of survival is told in a realistic mixture of the brutal, the bitter and the enduring spark of hope that make living, rather than dead heroes. Some would surely disagree, but I can't help but think that some of the guys who find themselves in Walter Reed and other veteran hospitals recovering from their today's war wounds might get a great deal out of this beautifully acted--and seldom shown--"period piece". It's a pity it's not on dvd/vhs. WHY??