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Sergeant York Overview:

Sergeant York (1941) was a Action - Black-and-white Film directed by Howard Hawks and produced by Howard Hawks, Hal B. Wallis and Jesse L. Lasky.

SYNOPSIS

This is one of the greatest of war sagas because it is the true story of a simple man who accomplishes extraordinary feats through quiet determination and faith. Cooper deservedly won acclaim for his portrayal of the WWI hero (York himself insisted that Cooper take the role if his story was filmed) from rural east Tennessee. At first hot-headed, with fast fists and no direction, Cooper first changes his life with hard work meant to earn land for a farm that will win him the hand of Leslie. He then takes a devout turn after divine intervention prevents him from murdering his rival for Leslie's affections. Reluctantly enlisted in WWI after denied conscientious objector status, Cooper performs heroic feats motivated by his desire to stop a German machine-gun nest from killing. Upon his return, Cooper is greeted with parades, Leslie's love, and a farm of his own presented by the people of Tennessee, bounty Cooper ascribes to God's grace. A compelling story, expertly directed by Hawks, of inner strength from inspired purpose first seen in York's personal struggles and then his actions on behalf of his comrades.

(Source: available at Amazon AMC Classic Movie Companion).

Sergeant York was inducted into the National Film Registry in 2008.

Academy Awards 1941 --- Ceremony Number 14 (source: AMPAS)

AwardRecipientResult
Best ActorGary CooperWon
Best Supporting ActorWalter BrennanNominated
Best Supporting ActressMargaret WycherlyNominated
Best Art DirectionArt Direction: John Hughes; Interior Decoration: Fred MacLeanNominated
Best CinematographySol PolitoNominated
Best DirectorHoward HawksNominated
Best Film EditingWilliam HolmesWon
Best Music - ScoringMax SteinerNominated
Best WritingAbem Finkel, Harry Chandlee, Howard Koch, John HustonNominated
Best PictureWarner Bros.Nominated
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Sergeant York BlogHub Articles:

Sergeant York (1941)

By 4 Star Film Fan on Nov 11, 2013 From 4 Star Films

Starring a wonderful cast including Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, and Joan Leslie with director Howard Hawks, this is a feel-good film. Alvin C. York (Cooper) lives in a small town in Tennessee where he works hard but also drinks a lot. Over time however he becomes a devout Christian and falls for a ... Read full article

Sergeant York (1941)

By 4 Star Film Fan on Nov 11, 2013 From 4 Star Films

Starring a wonderful cast including Gary Cooper, Walter Brennan, and Joan Leslie with director Howard Hawks, this is a feel-good film. Alvin C. York (Cooper) lives in a small town in Tennessee where he works hard but also drinks a lot. Over time however he becomes a devout Christian and falls for a ... Read full article

Sergeant York

By Alyson on Mar 31, 2011 From The Best Picture Project

I hate to make this comparison, but you know that film within Inglorious Basterds, Nation’s Pride?  Today, this seems like the friendlier, American version, only instead of two hours of just patriotic shooting, we get the true story of a young man from rural Tennessee reformed by hard work and re... Read full article

Sergeant York(1941).

By Dawn on Feb 18, 2011 From Noir and Chick Flicks

Sergeant York(1941). Biographical film about the life of Alvin York, the most-decorated American soldier of World War I. It was directed by Howard Hawks. The film was adapted by Harry Chandlee, Abem Finkel, John Huston, Howard Koch, and Sam Cowan (uncredited) from the diary of Alvin York as edited b... Read full article

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Sergeant York Quotes:

Drummer: [remarking on the area's isolation] What I'd like to know is, how do you fellows get into this valley?
Zeke: We was born here!
Alvin: Therefore, render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's.
Gracie Williams: Folks say you're no good, 'ceptin' for fighting and hell-raising.
[Alvin puts a handful of dirt onto a plate at the table and pushes it toward his mother]
Mother York: That there's bottom land soil, ain't it? Queer how the folks on the bottom looks down on the folks on the top. It was always that way. No changin' it!
Alvin: I'm gonna *get* us a piece of bottom land!
Mother York: Your pa set out to get a piece of bottom land once. Nary a man ever tried any harder! Liked to *kill* hisself tryin'!
Pastor Rosier Pile: War's way to the other side of the ocean, Alvin. Lots of things can happen before you get there. You put your trust in the Lord, and He'll look out for you.
Alvin: I done forgot the Lord! I ain't never gonna forget him again!
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Sergeant York Facts
Joan Leslie was 16 when she made this film, the same age as the real Gracie. Alvin C. York had made it clear that he didn't want any actress with any sort of notoriety connected with her portraying his wife. He specifically said, "No Ooomph Girls!", a clear reference to Warner Bros. contract player Ann Sheridan. Incredibly, Jane Russell was considered, but the wholesome Leslie was ultimately chosen.
When informed that Hollywood wanted to make a film about his exploits in World War I, Alvin C. York insisted that only Gary Cooper could play him. At almost 40 years of age Cooper was actually too old to play York - who was not quite 30 at the time of the battle - and York was informed of this, but he insisted that if Cooper couldn't play him, he would not allow the film to be made.
When this film was being made, American public opinion was strongly isolationist and Warner Brothers initially worried that it would be condemned for being seen as too pro-war in attitude. Jesse Lasky went to great lengths to avoid marketing the film as a war picture. By the film's release, however, Adolf Hitler had conquered much of Europe and the public attitude towards war changed greatly, helping the film become one of the studio's biggest moneymakers of all time.
The scene where Alvin becomes converted because of the bolt of lightning was an invention of the screenwriters. In reality he was converted from his hard-drinking, roustabout ways to a Sunday-school teacher by his wife, and it was a longer and less dramatic process.
According to the star himself, this was the first movie Clint Eastwood saw.
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