Sergeant York

On the Argonne Forest battlefield Alvin, made a corporal because of his marksmanship, becomes a hero when his unit is trapped and he single-handedly kills 25 and captures 132 prisoners. Called the "greatest civilian solider of the war" by General Pershing, York received the Medal of Honor, France's Croix de Guerre, and basically every high medal the Allies could bestow upon him. But while the film does a first-rate job of showing York's heroic exploits, ultimately it is more about the man that the solider. Cooper's sense of dignity is well-suited to the role, which gives more weight to York's life in the hills of Tennessee than to the war in Europe. What he learned back home clearly stands Alvin in good stead on the battlefield.

The supporting cast of "Sergeant York" is truly outstanding, with George Tobias as "Pusher" Ross, Ward Bond as Ike Botkin and Robert Porterfield as Zeb Andrews. Both Walter Brennan as Pastor Rosier Pile and Margaret Wycherly as Mother York received well deserved Oscar nominations in the supporting category. Brennan marvelously underplays his role as Alvin's spiritual leader while Wycherly is simply the anchor for the entire film. Mother York says little and moves slowly, but everything comes out through her eyes. The scene where Alvin finally gets home from the war and sees his mother at the train station is especially touching: his face lights up completely and her "I'm right glad to see you, son" is the equivalent of other people crying and screaming for joy. In addition to Cooper winning his first Oscar as Best Actor, William Holmes receives one for Film Editing. This is one of those movies I never get tired of seeing and it remains the ideal film to watch on Memorial Day.


A wonderful tribute to a brave Tennessean!   April 10, 2005
Dave (Tennessee United States)
41 out of 43 found this review helpful

I'm a native Tennessean, and I grew up hearing stories about one of Tennessee's greatest war heroes, Sgt. Alvin C. York. There's even a statue of him at the Nashville capitol. York was one of the most unlikely heroes of World War I, yet he surprised both his comrades and his commanding officers with his reckless bravery in combat. Although the propaganda effect of the movie was intended to get America involved in World War II, the heartfelt performances, especially from oscar winner Gary Cooper and Walter Brennan, make this a must-see classic.

Gary Cooper stars as Alvin C. York, and as the film begins, he and his two drinking pals, Ike (Ward Bond) and Buck (Noah Berry Jr.) are causing mischief in their small community in rural Tennessee. Pastor Pile (Walter Brennan) continually tries to help York change his wicked ways and become a faithful Christian, but York is in no mood for preaching. When Alvin meets lovely young Gracie (Joan Leslie) he immediately falls in love and starts working for a local farmer to buy land so that he can ask Gracie to marry him. But he's double-crossed by the greedy farmer, who sells the land to York's worst enemy. Grabbing his rifle, York sets out on a rainy night to take revenge on the evil farmer, only to have his gun destroyed by lightning. That's when Alvin finally realizes that the Lord wants him to change his wicked ways, so he quits drinking and becomes a devout Christian.

The problem is, just as York is changing his life America declares war on Germany, but he insists on staying out of it, saying "I ain't a-goin' to war. War is killin' and the Book is agin' killin', so war is agin' the Book." But his draft board won't listen to his religious outburst and Pastor Pile convinces him to join the army rather than be arrested. Next, York is in France, where his years of hunting experience have made him a crackshot, and he finds himself promoted to corporel. When his small unit is pinned down during a bloody assault against German machine-gun nests and his superiors are killed or wounded, Alvin takes charge and bravely attacks on his own, killing at least 20 enemy soldiers and capturing well over a hundred.

York is decorated for gallantry, promoted to sergeant, and returns home to a nation-wide heroes welcome, finally coming back to Tennessee where his family and his girlfriend Gracie have a big surprise of their own. Though the Southern accents in this are a little too forced, and the portrayel of Army officers is way too flattering, this enduring classic has always held a special place in my heart. Believe it or not, much of the script is taken directly from Sgt. York's diary, and York himself served as an advisor throughout the filming. It was York who insisted on Gary Cooper playing his character, and Cooper ended up giving perhaps the strongest performance of his career. I only hope we don't have to wait much longer before this classic gets a dvd release.


Cooper shines!   July 16, 2000
Candace Scott (Lake Arrowhead, CA, USA)
27 out of 30 found this review helpful

For anyone sick of the "nauseating MTV culture," then this is the movie for you. It perfectly portrays American culture and values in a way that is entertaining and meaningful. Gary Cooper is perfectly cast as Alvin York and gives an Academy Award winning performance. Though Coop was 40 when this was made and is obviously too old for the part (and his Southern accent isn't so good), his acting skills carry him through.

Walter Brennan, always outstanding in any role, supports brilliantly and Joan Leslie is believable as York's girlfriend.

Yes, this movie is sappy and contrived in spots, but it's wonderful anyway. The musical score is also memorable and integrated well throughout the film. If you love Gart Cooper or American, it's hard not to like this movie.


5 stars only because...   April 8, 2001
C. Williams (Chatham, VA)
21 out of 22 found this review helpful

I can't give it 6. This is probably one of the top 5 movies ever! Cooper is phenomenal. The real Alvin York, probably America's least known hero, told Hollywood that he would allow them to make the movie if Cooper portrayed him, they told the whole story, and no glamour girl portrayed the women. This movie hits the mark. While it does show how President Wilson abused the rights of the religions that are against fighting and war, I believe the message of a man's convictions and how he must kill to save other lives is powerful and applicable in today's society. Believable presentation of York's life before, during, and after the war is the hallmark of the movie. A classic for generations to come.


Rumor has it being release on DVD in 2006!   December 9, 2005
tyrod (St. Louis, Mo)
16 out of 20 found this review helpful

Googled around and found an article with that claim.

"Sergeant York (1941)-Tentatively scheduled for 2006 release from Warner."

I reckon I can wait a spell.