Cast
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Tyrone Power
as Martin Maher
Maureen O'Hara
as Mary O'Donnell
Robert Francis
as James Sundstrom Jr.
Donald Crisp
as Old Martin
Ward Bond
as Captain Herman Kohler
Betsy Palmer
as Kitty Carter
Philip Carey
as Chuck Dotson
William Leslie
as James "Red" Sundstrom
Harry Carey, Jr.
as Dwight D. Eisenhower
Patrick Wayne
as Abner "Cherub" Overton
Sean McClory
as Dinny Maher
Peter Graves
as Corporal Rudolph Heinz
Milburn Stone
as Captain John J. Pershing
Erin O'Brien-Moore
as Mrs. Koehler
Walter Ehlers
as Mike Shannon
Crew
Director
- John Ford
Producer
- Robert Arthur
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Long Gray Line 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 John Ford 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 1955, 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 The Long Gray Line took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 138 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 197 minutes long.
- The costume department created over 120 unique costume pieces for the production.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 6 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
Historical Context
- In 1955, when this film was released:
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The Cold War was intensifying, influencing global politics and culture.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Long Gray Line shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Dancer in the Dark, which focuses more on action than character development, The Long Gray Line subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like The Soft Skin and West Side Story explore similar territory, The Long Gray Line 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: January 4, 1955
- Runtime: 2h 18m
