Review of Sergeant York (1941) by Chad E — 19 Sep 2009
The true story of a backwoods pacifist Alvin York (Gary Cooper) who became one of the most decorated American soldiers of the First World War. In a singular act of heroism York is credited with taking charge of the seven remaining men and capturing a 132 German prisoners, for which he was awarded the medal of Honour and many other decorations.
Much of the picture rests upon Cooper's performance which is very good and for which he won his first of two Academy Awards. The supporting cast is also good including Walter Brennan and Margaret Wycherly, both nominated for Oscar's but it rests mostly on Cooper's broad shoulders.
Director Howard Hawks succeeds not only in capturing the family drama and the difficult decision York makes but also suceeds with good action scenes and humour. The one aspect that doesn't quite work is the love story and that is probably because Coper was 40 at the time the film was made while co-star Joan Leslie was only 16.
This review of Sergeant York (1941) was written by Chad E on 19 Sep 2009.
Sergeant York has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
