IN BRINGING WHAT was surely as tragic a story that would come out of World War II in America, 20th Century-Fox did a great service; not only to the memory of the 5 young men and to the Sullivan Family; but also the Studio public credited the Armed Forces in general and the U.S. Navy in particular, by its making the movie going people aware of what dangers that our boys face daily.
THE CASTING OF the parts was one aspect of the film that was most expertly handled. Heading up the credits are the great Thomas Mitchell* (as the Father), Fox's up and coming Starlett Anne Baxter (Katherine Mary Sullivan), Trudy Marshall (Genevieve Sullibvan, sister), Roy Roberts (Father Francis, Parish Priest) and ever reliable Ward Bond as Lt. Commander Robinson, Naval Recruiter).
INTRODUCING A GROUIP OF relative newcomers in making up the Sullivan Boys proved to be a great plus in the film's believability and success. James Cardwell (George), John Campbell (Frank), John Alvin (Matt), George Offerman, Jr. (Joe) and Edward Ryan (Al) seemed to be a real family; turning in a commendable joint performance. Future Disney Star, Bobby Driscoll (SONG OF THE SOUTH, SO DEAR TO MY HEART) was among the uncredited players who portrayed the brothers as young kids.
THE STORY STARTS out with a series of Catholic Baptisms; culminating with the score: Sullivan Boys 5 Sullivam Girls 1. The story then quickly establishes the family household, their place in Blue Collar neighborhood and their Dad's position as a Railroad Conductor.
THERE IS A GREAT deal of time spent in the portrayal of the brothers doing all sorts of things Always, they are together. The incidents on the screen are always laden with irony; which had prophetic foretelling of what would be their fate in the War. Many references to the "Fighting" brothers, "Fighting" mad and, in particular, when the boys find an old row boat; which they repair, board, sail and nearly drown, when the craft abruptly sinks.
THE MANNER IN which the early portion of the story is propelled along is both unique and, perhaps, just a trifle too l-o-n-g. In the montage of juvenile activities portrayed, the movie looks like a series of OUR GANG/LITTLE RASCALS Movie Shorts. The technique does prove to be most effective.
MOVING ON TO the point where the Sullivans were young men, the story takes a decidedly improved and serious turn. Al meets Katherine Mary. They marry and have a son. Pearl Harbor is attacked, the boys all enlist in the Navy-together. Ultimately, of course, their tragic fate is portrayed to the audience; who,of course, knew what was coming all along.
THE FINALE OF this true life tragedy includes scenes of Lt. Commader Robinson's news bearing visit to the Sullivan home, Mr. Sullivan's tearful day at work with his passing places where he would often see his sons and a recreation of the launching of the new Naval Destroyer, USS The Sullivans.
IN A TOUCHING last scene & fade to black, the 5 slain men, all in their Navy uniforms, are shown going to Heaven; with youngest brother, Al, hurrying to catch up, as usual.
WE HAVE HEARD that this movie had a shortened original release; owing to the fear that the extreme sadness of its story would have an adverse effect on Wartime Morale.
THE CASTING OF the parts was one aspect of the film that was most expertly handled. Heading up the credits are the great Thomas Mitchell* (as the Father), Fox's up and coming Starlett Anne Baxter (Katherine Mary Sullivan), Trudy Marshall (Genevieve Sullibvan, sister), Roy Roberts (Father Francis, Parish Priest) and ever reliable Ward Bond as Lt. Commander Robinson, Naval Recruiter).
INTRODUCING A GROUIP OF relative newcomers in making up the Sullivan Boys proved to be a great plus in the film's believability and success. James Cardwell (George), John Campbell (Frank), John Alvin (Matt), George Offerman, Jr. (Joe) and Edward Ryan (Al) seemed to be a real family; turning in a commendable joint performance. Future Disney Star, Bobby Driscoll (SONG OF THE SOUTH, SO DEAR TO MY HEART) was among the uncredited players who portrayed the brothers as young kids.
THE STORY STARTS out with a series of Catholic Baptisms; culminating with the score: Sullivan Boys 5 Sullivam Girls 1. The story then quickly establishes the family household, their place in Blue Collar neighborhood and their Dad's position as a Railroad Conductor.
THERE IS A GREAT deal of time spent in the portrayal of the brothers doing all sorts of things Always, they are together. The incidents on the screen are always laden with irony; which had prophetic foretelling of what would be their fate in the War. Many references to the "Fighting" brothers, "Fighting" mad and, in particular, when the boys find an old row boat; which they repair, board, sail and nearly drown, when the craft abruptly sinks.
THE MANNER IN which the early portion of the story is propelled along is both unique and, perhaps, just a trifle too l-o-n-g. In the montage of juvenile activities portrayed, the movie looks like a series of OUR GANG/LITTLE RASCALS Movie Shorts. The technique does prove to be most effective.
MOVING ON TO the point where the Sullivans were young men, the story takes a decidedly improved and serious turn. Al meets Katherine Mary. They marry and have a son. Pearl Harbor is attacked, the boys all enlist in the Navy-together. Ultimately, of course, their tragic fate is portrayed to the audience; who,of course, knew what was coming all along.
THE FINALE OF this true life tragedy includes scenes of Lt. Commader Robinson's news bearing visit to the Sullivan home, Mr. Sullivan's tearful day at work with his passing places where he would often see his sons and a recreation of the launching of the new Naval Destroyer, USS The Sullivans.
IN A TOUCHING last scene & fade to black, the 5 slain men, all in their Navy uniforms, are shown going to Heaven; with youngest brother, Al, hurrying to catch up, as usual.
WE HAVE HEARD that this movie had a shortened original release; owing to the fear that the extreme sadness of its story would have an adverse effect on Wartime Morale.