Cast
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Dana Andrews
as Sgt. Bill Tyne
Richard Conte
as Pvt. Rivera
George Tyne
as Pvt. Jake Friedman
John Ireland
as Pfc. Windy Craven
Lloyd Bridges
as Sgt. Ward
Sterling Holloway
as McWilliams
Norman Lloyd
as Pvt. Archimbeau
Herbert Rudley
as Sgt. Eddie Porter
Richard Benedict
as Pvt. Tranella
Huntz Hall
as Pvt. Carraway
James Cardwell
as Sgt. Hoskins
George Offerman, Jr.
as Pvt. Tinker
Steve Brodie
as Pvt. Judson
Matt Willis
as Sgt. Pete Halverson
Chris Drake
as Rankin
Crew
Director
- Lewis Milestone
Producer
- Samuel Bronston
- Lewis Milestone
Reviews
CinemaSerf
I found this a rather dry, dreary attempt to insert us into the heart of an American brigade charged with blowing up an Italian Bridge as WWII nears it close. Dana Andrews, Richard Conte and John Ireland contribute gritty, authentic performances as their tough, sanguine squad face trials and tribulations - but there are lengthy periods of dialogue that, whilst well written, can bog the story down in a surfeit of individual personalities. Ultimately, I think it is just too close to the bone for anyone but an experienced soldier to be able to extract any value because well made, as it is, it lacks humour or pathos and conveys just too effectively the weariness of all concerned. What rescues it, to some extent, is the POV style of direction - frequently we see/hear no more than the soldiers and that does have an evocative effect during the brief, but pretty hair-raising conflict scenes.
Jul 1, 2022
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, A Walk in the Sun examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Lewis Milestone brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1945, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of A Walk in the Sun took approximately 12 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 117 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 170 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 442 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The musical score contains over 63 unique compositions.
Historical Context
- In 1945, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While A Walk in the Sun shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Hell Squad, which focuses more on action than character development, A Walk in the Sun subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Devils on the Doorstep and Secrets of War explore similar territory, A Walk in the Sun stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 25, 1945
- Runtime: 1h 57m
Where to Watch
