@celeste_writes
A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.
Having been discharged from the Marines for a hayfever condition before ever seeing action, Woodrow Lafayette Pershing Truesmith delays the return to his hometown, feeling that he is a failure. While in a moment of melancholy, he meets up with a group of Marines who befriend him and encourage him to return home to his mother by fabricating a story that he was wounded in battle with honorable discharge.
Quick Stats
7.1
TMDB Rating
77
Votes
1h 41m
Runtime
—
Budget
—
Box Office
—
Return
Key Crew
DirectorPreston Sturges
WriterPreston Sturges
CinematographyJohn F. Seitz
ComposerWerner R. Heymann
EditorStuart Gilmore
Production DesignHans Dreier
Produced by
Paramount Pictures
Where to Watch
Rent
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Critics & Reviews
3 featured@jhalberg
I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.
@priya_a
A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.
Cast
Eddie Bracken
Woodrow Truesmith
Ella Raines
Libby
Raymond Walburn
Mayor Everett J. Noble
William Demarest
Sgt. Heppelfinger
Franklin Pangborn
Reception Committee Chairman
Elizabeth Patterson
Martha - Libby's Aunt
Georgia Caine
Mrs. Truesmith
Al Bridge
Political Boss
Freddie Steele
Bugsy
Bill Edwards
Forrest Noble
Harry Hayden
Doc Bissell
Jimmy Conlin
Judge Dennis
J
Jimmie Dundee
Cpl. Candida
Chester Conklin
Western Union Man (uncredited)
Eddie Hall
Man Swigging Beer at the Bar (uncredited)
