The making of Battleground (1949) the war film no one wanted to make

#bastogne #warmovie #classicmovies #worldwar2
The classic World War II film "Battleground" (1949) tells the story of a squad of the 101st Airborne Division and the siege of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge. Considered by some as one of the best war movies ever made, it initially emerged as a project that no one wanted to undertake. Hitting screens four years after the end of World War II, studio executives believed the film was destined for failure due to the perception that the public had no appetite for war films. However, their assumption proved to be incorrect.
Despite facing initial reluctance from studio executives, "Battleground" (1949) defied expectations and went on to become a box office hit and an all-time classic war film.
🍿You can watch Battleground here: • Video
💿 You can buy BATTLEGROUND (1949) here ➡️ amzn.to/48wZAZ6
Robert Pirosh today is known for his legendary cover letter that helped him land a job in Hollywood during the 1930s. His cover letter is often cited as an excellent example of effective self-promotion and job application.
✉️Here's Benedict Cumberbatch reading Pirosh's 1934 cover letter :
• Benedict Cumberbatch r...
🔬Dore Schary Interview (February 12, 1980)
• Dore Schary Interview ...
🎥William Wellman doc: "Wild Bill: Hollywood Maverick" (1995)
• "Wild Bill: Hollywood ...
🎬William Wellman on filmmaking
• William Wellman on fil...
⭐️Hollywood - Ep 4: Hollywood goes to War
• The making of Battlegr...
🍿The RKO Story: Howard's Way
• The RKO Story - Howard...
⭐️“Bastogne Presenting Lt. Clair Hess” is a short, black-and-white film about Bastogne, made by the Army-Navy Screen Magazine in early 1945.
archive.org/de...
📚Further Reading and 💿 watching
Van Johnson: MGM's Golden by Ronald Davis
amzn.to/3S0pfCx
Wild Bill Wellman: a Hollywood Rebel by William Wellman Jr.
amzn.to/47zx8Eo
Hollywood Victory: The Movies, Stars, and Stories of World War II
amzn.to/3vwOAfM
The MGM Effect: How a Hollywood Studio Changed the World
amzn.to/3HfUYuv
MGM When the Lion Roars (the definitive MGM documentary)
amzn.to/3SeLEx8
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Disclosure: This video description may contain affiliate links and referral codes, which means I may receive a commission or referral bonus for purchases or sign-ups made through my links. I am a participant in multiple affiliate and referral programs, including Amazon and Epidemic Sound.

[@CinemaCities1978]

This video took longer to edit than anything I've ever done. It was a real monster to create. I believe I traumatized my computer, and now I need to sleep for 48 hours. Enjoy! 🍿You can watch BATTLEGROUND here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5aWooFnnqido5Y ✉Here's Benedict Cumberbatch reading Pirosh's 1934 cover letter : kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXLQdqZ_bctjm9Usi=dMAOgO2MQEBiC4GI If you love classic films and smart, entertaining deep dive stories about classic Hollywood subscribe to the free cinema cities newsletter 📰screenspectator.substack.com?sd=pf If you're loving these videos consider supporting the channel at: ☕www.buymeacoffee.com/cinemacities ⭐ patreon.com/CinemaCities Members get lots of great extras!

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

From the comments, it's clear that the viewers recognize your efforts and appreciate it. This is a movie that deserves respect.

[@lindacecile5647]

I've never liked war movies because they tend to glorify it. This fascinates and I'll check it out. My father served in WWII in Africa. I'd like to see a realistic movie about the battles there as he never talked about it. Thanks for covering this so thoroughly. You're the best. I keep being unsubscribed. So frustrating as I watch closely for your please sts.

[@lindacecile5647]

Correction --for your posts😮

[@selwynandrews9665]

Well, you knocked it out of the park with this one. Sleep well!

[@annmariegillmore8688]

Your commentary on Battleground is a stellar effort, I ope you and your computer recover in due course. This is an amazing achievement.

[@monacojerry]

My father's older step-brother, Bill, was a soldier in the Bulge. He got lost in the forest behind enemy lines and wandered for days hiding from German soldiers. This was a tough man, but when he came back from the war, he was a bit broken. Once a skilled worker at the GE plant, he could no longer work indoors for a lengthy amount of time. Uncle Bill went to see this movie when it came out and apparently went back to see it several times. On one occasion Uncle Bill took my father. My father described Bill's silent tears after leaving the movie theater. The movie must have been therapeutic for Bill. It must have helped him to safely relive those days of hiding in the snow behind enemy lines. The movie was real to Bill.

[@mikechevreaux7607]

The Movie "Platoon" Had Same Effect On Vietnam Vets.

[@alvilla9659]

God bless him

[@richardeagan551]

Thank him , greatest generation EVER.

[@monacojerry]

@@richardeagan551 He's long gone.

[@bgdavenport]

My friend, a Vietnam combat vet, told me about this retrospective and he was right! As a devotee of the movie, your retrospective is outstanding!

[@jeffbosworth8116]

The closing seen, where the vets don't want tolet the newbies see how much they hurt, tears me up every time.

[@mrblowhard2u]

My favprite scene. Brings a tear every time I watch this film.

[@michaelbillington8737]

I've seen this film maybe a dozen times, usually on late-late-night t.v. in the 70s. I spent two tours of duty in Vietnam, first as a rifleman in the 9th Infantry Division and second as a light weapons infantry advisor to a Vietnamese infantry regiment. I loved this film because - even years after it was made - it pretty accurately portrayed the life of an infantryman. Yeah, you know, the guys they called "grunts" and "cannon fodder." We got through our tours, the ones lucky enough to do so, the same way the soldiers in this fim did - grumbling, complaining, bitching, moaning, and laughing at and with each other. That's how it's always been and probably how it will always be for the soldiers whose boots are on the ground, not in an office somewhere or a mile up in the air. Thanks so much for taking the time to tell this story - I appreciate it even more now that I know the fight it took to get it onto the screen.

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

Hamburger Hill and Platoon Leader are the best Vietnam war movies from the grunt perspective.

[@edgaraquino2324]

Yes...& sharing the last few drops of water from a canteen, & protecting & helping each other as much as they could...many of these guys became closer than family....

[@davidclarke7122]

Most of todays millenials done have the attention span to appreciate a movie like this, hence some of the comments.

[@rickklein7792]

Never Forget! Go easy bro.

[@DouglasCarrington-dc4vw]

Welcome home brother!

[@c3aloha]

I admire Pirosh and Van Johnson for making Go For Broke about the 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Him being a veteran and using real veterans in the cast added authenticity that hasn’t been matched since.

[@rosezingleman5007]

My dad was near Bastogne during WW2, and he used to struggle not to cry when he watched this.

[@craftergin]

It's disgusting that those contemporary so called reviewers of the movie have so little empathy, patience and imagination. I suppose 12 Angry Men is way too "talky" for them as well. Not every movie has to have stuff blow up. Thanks for presenting this video. I'm sharing it on Facebook and recommending your channel.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thanks for sharing the video! It really does help the channel!!!!!

[@brianhotaling5849]

I loved the righteous person who was all about how it was insulting to the troops, when it basically MADE by the troops

[@EasyEight3674]

The contemporary viewers speak from ignorance, and have been raised on a steady diet of flashy CGI and explosions. Many of my male relatives served in WW2, my father drafted during the Korean War, and this movie rang true to them.

[@Oldhogleg]

It's what we get from a video game culture who's terrifying experience in the real world is a bad hang nail.

[@Sku11Leader]

I think a lot of people when they look at older films fail to remember that it wasn't made for them.

[@richardmeyer1007]

I love this movie. James Whitmore is one of my favorite character actors. I watch this every December to remember the men who served and suffered. Thank you.

[@stevemolina8801]

Outstanding history of this movie. My father and his 4 brothers served in WWII. I will never forget them.

[@benb.3078]

One of all time favorites. First time I saw it was probably 40+ years ago. Since then every time I make scrambled eggs, "there is a boarding house far far away...." Thanks for the back story!

[@bradley-eblesisor]

Subbed with notifications! My uncle was there. Lost an eye at Bastogne! He later in life lost the other. I was his helper and friend in his late years. I loved listening to him tell me of the war with my ryes closed, imagining the scenes. 705th td battalion company C. Dewey Ray. Td driver. Purple heart. Flawed but great as well. He cried when telling of sitting beside a warm transmission when outside soldiers suffered and froze. Greatest generation, indeed!

[@jeffwhite3679]

The video was worth everything you put into it. This is the best commentary on this film that's available. Battleground still is relevant despite what the modern critics think. I honestly believe that the modern reviews you cited are an example of the divide between the military and those of us who served and the rest of the population. You have to remember that when Battleground was released much of the public were veterans or had close family members who were. When I was growing up virtually all of the men I knew were veterans of either WWII or Korea, my father being a Korean War veteran. Since the creation of the all volunteer military in 1973 the number of veterans in society has been rapidly dwindling. It's estimated that veterans are less than 1% of the American population and of that one percent, only one percent of the veterans served in jobs that would place them in direct combat. I enlisted in the Army on 6 December 1974 and I can still relate to the squad in Battleground. Yes, the language soldiers use has changed and it was much more colorful then the censors would permit back them but the basic themes are the same. You don't need to splash the screen with blood to tell the story of men in combat. Saving Private Ryan won accolades for the realistic portrayal of combat but it was a completely implausible story. Maybe it's good that the public got an eyeopener about the brutality of war. Battleground didn't need that blood and gore to tell the story. The weapons, uniforms and battlefields may change but the poor bloody Infantryman's lot hasn't changed since tribes became nations and created armies. If you could get in your time machine and show Battleground to a Greek Hoplite or Roman Legionnaire he would identify with the theme of the movie.

[@CinemaCities1978]

You bring up a very, very good point. Most people today have little contact with members of the military, so they aren't growing up with stories of dad's buddies from the army, etc. It's very removed from wider society, very different from 1949.

[@michaelbillington8737]

Amen

[@ericharmon7163]

That's my memory. It was my grandfather and his brothers who were the WW2 vets. The men that I grew up with. You always wondered why Uncle George liked to sit alone in his TV room or why Uncle Joe never came to gatherings and mainly spent time painting. Later, as an adult, you would find these men served in Huertgen, or the Bulge. They were combat vets. They had a serious yet carefree attitude. I loved the way they talked.

[@tomz3214]

You hit the 10 ring with your comment. I served in 81-84... Line doggie w. 82nd. Soldiers in any army in the World understand the small unit dynamics. There a fellowship of a shared Universal experience.

[@IncogNito-gg6uh]

I'm usually somewhat apprehensive about the comment section and repeatedly make a vow not to read them. Your comment is one of those gems that make me happy I break that vow occasionally!

[@maryclaremayo6157]

I once had a large collection of war films. Battleground was one of them. Thank you so much for the background on this great film. The story of the difficulties in getting it made reminds me of the old kid's tale "The Little Red Hen." Nobody wants to take the risk and do the work, but they're happy enough to take the credit and share in the spoils.

[@michaelmanning5379]

The comment made that the characters are unforgettable. I have to concur. I saw this as a teen and it stuck with me for decades, before I got to see it again and was able to recognize the young supporting actors like Montauban. In watching it again I was struck by Leon Ames brief but strong performance. Now I take a small amount of satisfaction of recognizing him in other movies. I was also glade to see in this video that James Whitmore won an Oscar for his portrayal. I have always thought him an unfairly under-appreciated actor.

[@mikeat2637]

I was going to bring up the same thing. This is the first movie I remember seeing him and he followed up with The Asphalt Jungle and Them !! He had a long and distinguished film career. One of my favorite actors.

[@rfn2605]

I have always thought this was the best war movie ever made; it’s the one I most connect with. I probably saw it first in the late 50’s and have owned a copy for many years, watching it at least once a year. I served in a rifle squad in Viet Nam, in the Marines, so that’s probably why I can identify so closely with it. One other movie, a recent one, I would put on par with this: it’s called “Taking Chance”. Thanks for this clip, it’s something I’ll rewatch often.

[@timtoth8065]

I love this movie! Didn't see it for the first time until maybe 8-10 years ago (I'm 74) but have watched it almost every year since. My father was in WW II and landed on Omaha Beach on 2nd day of the landings. He was close to the area of the movie but not in the Bulge and told some stories of the times. This movie brings much of the feel of being there through the boredom and terror of the war as experienced by this group of men from varied backgrounds, sometimes getting on each other's nerves, sometimes supporting each other, sometimes mourning those injured or killed. Very moving!

[@sk8adio42]

Best essay yet. Worth a melted computer. My father was a fighter pilot in the Pacific theater and this was one of his favorite films. Well meaning, well produced efforts like Band of Brothers and The Pacific can’t capture the humor and grumbly stoicism of these mid century men because it’s a lost ethos, a now forgotten world view. A film might as easily attempt to recreate the emotions and attitudes of 17th century Puritans like in The Witch.

[@mikemarthaller8789]

A Reflection US Army 58-64 Airborne The battleground "Humor" and grumbling is part of the Army I knew I was also trained by WW 2 And Korean Vets of the 82nd, 101st Etc. and in early 90 I helped host a reunion of "Easy CO" Those men in there 70's were also the stoic men as portrayed in BOB My experiences were neither film FULLY portrayed the men or events but together along with Saving Pvt Ryon offer a broader more realistic view

[@michelguevara151]

I've spent a night in the ardènnes in the first week of august, the rest of europe was suffering a heatwave, but the ardènnes is allways freezing cold. it was a shock for this mediterranean lad!

[@MisterApol]

My dad was there--not in Bastogne, but in the Bulge. Thank you for this video.

[@numbersix8919]

Simply outstanding on three counts. Firstly, helping me to appreciate this film so much more, as you always do. Second, your surgical deconstruction of our vapid sensibilities. And finally, most pertinent to our declining civilization, the great question: what was it all about? Those countless millions of human lives, slaughtered and traumatized - for what? I think we owe all of them something. Something that would make them happy.

[@mikechevreaux7607]

Hopefully US Citizens Are Less Inclined To War, i.e. Ukraine. 🇺🇦

[@Chiller11]

I didn’t expect coverage of a war film on this channel. As usual the episode is thoroughly researched and as effectively presented as the film itself. Glad you selected this story from the 8 million possibles.

[@CinemaCities1978]

I'm full of surprises 😉

[@dalefortneroregon]

@@CinemaCities1978 - Yes, I'm very happy you are full of surprises. Thank you for all your work as it appears to be a labor of love. It's somewhat disturbing to see your low subscription count but I'm optimistic it will grow much larger if you stay with it.

[@nickimontie]

​@@CinemaCities1978 That's one of the reasons I enj9y this channel so much!

[@tombaker4586]

I love these longer videos. Tom, Belgium.

[@glw2088]

How does this channel have less than 100,000 subscribers????? I don't get youtube. You make some of the best classic movie content and this was like a full on DVD extra documentary. i love this channel thanks for giving us classic film fans some thoughful, entertaining and educational stuff to watch!

[@CinemaCities1978]

It's a mystery to me too! I'm just happy when classic movie fans find their way to the channel and find content they enjoy.

[@4Topwood]

Easy. The appreciation of excellence is in short supply these days. And Cin is really one of those rare individuals whose excellence is so amazing, it's hard to grasp fully.

[@alanbehrens4231]

Best KZbin channel.

[@jodywho6696]

Not everyone subscribes. But still enjoy. I love to learn. ✨🇺🇸✨

[@WilliamMoore-p4g]

My great-uncle was there. The film hit home with him. It's a masterpiece.

[@brenthenshaw3585]

Thank you for this story on one of my favorite war films. This was probably the most accurate film about the Battle of the Bulge, and it was because it was written by a soldier who survived that experience. And of those modern viewer reviews: they are mostly viewers who think a war film should be all action, start to finish. But those reviews are obviously not from veterans, as veterans will relate 100% with every character in the film.

[@JCHAN-qd3rz]

I have loved this film since the first time watching it with my dad. That was 1965. I can’t imagine how the public received it in 1949, bravo.

[@martyabeln6167]

Excellent presentation. Please keep them coming. I love the backstory of the movie. With respect to retrospective criticism of the movie. Consider that using the word nuts was controversial at that time. The standards of the day would not allow the graphic violence of a movie like “saving private Ryan”. The strength of the movie is in its portrait of the GI citizen soldiers trying to cope with a grim situation and survive.

[@nomadmarauder-dw9re]

That's fer shur, that's fer dang shur.

[@Pete-fd9pg]

🤘 Thank you for such an in depth commentary on the making of this iconic classic, that will forever stand the test of time as being possibly THE BEST WWII DRAMA EVER FILMED. The story was created by writer/producer/director Robert Pirosh (a former Mstr. Sgt. w/ the 35th Inf. Div. in the E.T.O.) who was also responsible for other such great WWII dramas as "Go for Broke", "Hell is for Heroes", & the much cherished T.V. series "Combat". Props to you Mr. Pirosh. Some of the other great early WWII classics that others have touched on or may remember : "SAHARA", "Story Of G.I. Joe", "They Were Expendable", "Twelve O'Clock High" , "Sands of Iwo Jima", "Decision Before Dawn", "Stalag 17", "Attack", "The Longest Day", and "The Train". It's great being able to watch such stories on DVD (uninterrupted by F- - - -'in commercials) and enjoying them with people viewing the films for the first time. No CGI here, just great honest war films portraying great (at times historically important) stories. Thanks Again ! (sorry for the over-used word "great")

[@danw4471]

This is my favorite movie. Love the parts with Van Johnson having to keep moving with eggs in his helmet. Also, my uncle was there. He was driving a colonel when their jeep hit a land mine. Luckily they both survived.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Wow! Your uncle and that colonel were very lucky men. Robert Pirosh recalled seeing a soldier worried about keeping his eggs safe. That image stuck with him and made it into part of Holley's story.

[@alasdairwatson712]

My mother would always refer to Van Johnson and the eggs; this was one of her favourite movies.

[@Randall1001]

My favorite war film of all time, and what I think it probably the best war film ever made about WWII. Thank you.

[@fpftraining]

This was some....amazing work. You really, and I mean REALLY did that film, and more importantly those guys, right.

[@robertbenson9797]

Wow, A powerful episode! This brought back so many memories of watching Battle Ground with my dad, I sat and cried several times while watching this episode. Dad was an ETO veteran, having been awarded the Silver Star for his actions during the Bulge. His battalion in the 394th Regiment, 99th Infantry Division, was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation for their action during the first few days of the German attack. In the 1960s, I would watch WWII movies on television with my Dad. Usually he would have some observations about how a movie showed the GIs and the actions in the movie. I can remember watching Battle Ground with him the first time, he didn’t say much until the movie was over. His opening review was, “ Wow!” The movie portrayed the very realistic give and take between the men. Van Johnson’s character of Holley was “PFC-praying for civilian”. This showed the feeling that most US servicemen had, get the job done and get back home. The fact that this was shot on a soundstage in California makes the special effects even more amazing! Dad was in the northern shoulder of the Bulge and the 101st Airborne was in the south. The front was about 75 miles north to south. Dad said they didn’t know what was going on more than 200-300 yards from their position. The fact that Bastogne was surrounded wasn’t know by the average GI until later. This was the largest land battle that the United States Army has ever fought. Battle Ground does an excellent job of showing what it was like for the American soldier.

[@davidsigalow7349]

I watched this and other WWII movies with my dad, too, in the 1960s. He loved this and "A Walk in the Sun" as it reminded him of the camaraderie of the infantry. God bless our parents' generation!

[@kendn01]

This was the most interesting and just plain well done thing I've seen on youtube.

[@CinemaCities1978]

You'll never know how much I appreciate this comment. Thank you!

[@Shadowman4710]

Really excellent work. This has been one of my favorite movies since first seeing it in the early 80's.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thank you very much!

[@thorzhammer70ky17]

Absolutely my favorite movie. Nothing really comes close to capturing the comrade of the GIs until Band of Brothers came along. And you are right, I couldn't imagine any other cast! Great job

[@CinemaCities1978]

I agree and I'm a huge Band of Brothers fan.

[@theboringkaren]

I’m shocked I’ve never heard of this movie before but I bet if I had asked my dad he would have known it. I’ll definitely have to check it out. Your channel has opened me up to so many movies I had no clue about! Thank you for all you do!

[@CinemaCities1978]

You're welcome! I really hope you enjoy the movie.

[@MrJJuK]

I found battleground years ago will looking for ww2 films to watch. I couldnt find it anywhere to watch so i had to watch it another way... But i loved it proper classic ww2 film.

[@MoreMovies4u]

Superb video. I never knew of this movie beforehand, so it was amazing to hear all about it's history and pre-production stories. Incredible work CC. 🙏🎬

[@CinemaCities1978]

this one was a killer. I still don't think I've recovered. 😂 Thank you for sitting through it. You're the best!!!! PS - I think you'll like this movie.

[@MoreMovies4u]

@@CinemaCities1978 It was a pleasure to watch. I will definitely screen the moviesome time soon. Thanks, CC! You're the best really! 😉

[@okay5045]

I remember watching this film several times as a child of the late night movies and It was wonderful. You have enhanced the impact of this brilliant film. Bravo and thank you.

[@CinemaCities1978]

you're welcome!

[@Hogtownboy1]

Another fantastic essay. thank you

[@PatrolOfficer161]

FABULOUS MOVIE!!!!! I watch it regularly when I want to see realism on the screen. I was a Vietnam Marine and the actions of the platoon in "Battlerground" are rooted in first-hand observations. Van Johnson's attempt to run in fear that is curtailed by Marshall Thompson's somewhat naive comments can be seen in Johnson's face where he wordlessly goes from "scared to death" to "back in charge" as he leads the counter-attack. Did Thompson see the fear? Only the screen writer knows for sure but the incident is never mentioned again in the movie. They all go forward and EVERYONE has moments of self-doubt ... and fear. What you do in those moments makes the difference. As a Marine and a Police Officer for twenty years after that I had my moments of self-doubts like the characters of "Battleground". I and so many others who wore the uniform(s) adapted and overcame and thankfully performed the duties everyone expected of us. In civilian life there were some cops who couldn't make the transition and entered other occupations. The movie shows that the soldiers didn't have an option and had no choice but to come around in the third act to measure up. Superb characterizations (noted by recent criticism as the dialogue being "talky") miss the point of charater development. I would guess that they can't remember the last book they read. I on the other hand am now a writer and inject my cop stories with just such development. Don't miss this movie.

[@richardeagan551]

"A Walk in the sun," is another ww2 story about the men. Lots of dialog.

[@paultapner2769]

I'd never even heard of this film till I saw it mentioned in a comment on a video about the Bulge in December 2022. So I tracked it down and watched it. It blew me away. One of the best war movies ever. About six months later I also discovered by chance the Story of GI Joe. Which got me the same way...

[@oldgoat142]

Both of those movies are my absolute favorites, hands down.

[@HOOSIERLOVER]

I had the pleasure of meeting many Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge. One in particular was a Chaplain. He had gone forward to make himself useful when he was captured by the Germans. He said "at the time i didn't realize that being captured was such a good thing but looking back after 30 yrs I'm glad it happened. For I was able to do more good in POW Camp by fighting for medical supplies and food for the many Allied Soldiers there. At this stage of the War Germany didn't have enough food for their own troops so it was important for me to see to it that we got one good meal a day."

[@AngelsBerry-et5qn]

I love these deep dive film history videos!

[@CinemaCities1978]

☺️

[@justinsheppherd1806]

Lovely work. I've never seen this film, but from your descriptions, and that "review" saying it "wasn't as gung-ho as other American war movie of the period", I think I should.

[@Shadowman4710]

Until Band of Brothers was released in the early 2000's, this film was considered the most realistic dramatization of the Battle of the Bulge put to film.

[@CinemaCities1978]

It's worth watching. I think it earns its place as one of the best WW2 films ever made. Despirt what some modern viewers may think 😉

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

@@CinemaCities1978 Agreed.

[@stevenwiederholt7000]

The final scene in Battleground, its been 60 years(?) since I 1st saw the movie, THAT scene still sticks with me.

[@MarketTeaLeaves]

My father fought at the Bulge, 90th Infantry Division, Third US Army. My father always said this was his favorite war movie because it showed the GI's exactly as they were. Growing up the first Saturday of May my father would march with his fellow GI's for Communion Breakfast. I was a Sea Cadet then and I joined him every year. I got to know some of the guys he served with, the finest group of men I have ever known. It's no wonder they're called the Greatest Generation. These men went thru a Great Depression and a World War and yet they served. My father started as a private and left as one. They wanted him to go to OCS (Officer Candidate School) but he refused. He received two Purple Hearts, One Bronze Star, a Distinguished Service Medal and a couple of others that I can't recall. In total six

[@phmoffett]

Superb documentary. Battleground is one of my favorite movies along with Twelve O'clock High. The more modern war movies do not capture the pathos of these earlier films. Thank you.

[@ropeburnsrussell]

What a great job youve done! Please do Hell is for Heroes, it is such an underrated film.

[@Oldhogleg]

Being a "boomer" generation, I grew up in a time where virtually everyone's parents was a WWII vet, and the common thread of them all was that they typically avoided talking about their experiences in the war except on the most general and superficial way because they wanted to put the experiences behind them and keep their children from having to grow up in a depression then fight a major world war as they did. So that movie at least told something of their experiences before being permanently lost into history.

[@Lolabelle59]

My Uncle fought and received the Purple Heart there. Another excellent video. Thank you.

[@CinemaCities1978]

you're welcome! I'm so happy you enjoyed this video.

[@frankmenchaca9993]

I remember my uncle and brother in law and some of the vets in neighborhood talking about this movie, they were all in the ETO, and they said thats the way it was.

[@vincentpuccio3689]

Just came across your website. I will be watching the rest of your catalogs and hope the rest will be as good as your love letter to battleground

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

Wonderful job, CC. Battleground is such a great film. I would call it an "event film"; you have to put yourself in the time of its making to feel what audiences would have felt about it at the time. It is definitely a sort of hybrid by today's standards, a slick Hollywood entertainment film with some artifice blended with a higher art quotient than normal for MGM. Schary did some amazing work at MGM in this period. Too bad about the fiasco he and the others had to go through making The Red Badge of Courage, which I still think is a masterpiece, even in mutilated form.

[@CinemaCities1978]

One of my goals with this video was to place the film into its historical context so that it's easier to understand the magnitude of its impact. I'm glad Dore Schary stuck to his guns on Battleground and The Asphalt Jungle. The director's cut of The Red Badge of Courage is up there with Orson's cut of Amberson's on my list of heartbreaking lost media.

[@Skullkan6]

Big Red One also got mutilated, but I think it became my favorite ww2 film for its depiction of the humanity and inhumanity war creates.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

@@Skullkan6 Absolutely. That used to run on cable TV all the time back in the '80s and I watched it many times. That was another great movie that almost nobody talks about anymore.

[@OuterGalaxyLounge]

@@CinemaCities1978 Yeah, I think if longer cuts of Ambersons and Stroheim's Greed still existed they might be my favorite films of all time instead of "not quite theres," though Robert Wise as RKO's editor did a pretty amazing job of still keeping most of the Amberson's narrative in Booth Tarkington's original novel, which I read a few years ago. My exgf actually preferred Ambersons to Kane because she was an avid reader and Ambersons I think felt more novelistic to her. I still think Ambersons is extraordinary as it stands, despite everything.

[@CinemaCities1978]

I think Amberson is a lovely adaptation of an excellent book. I actually go back and forth between which film I like more, Kane or Ambersons.

[@dougbrowne9890]

Until Band of Brothers, this (for me) was the best film about G.I.'s in the ETO. Battleground is among my top 5 favorite films. I love it so much that I one day bid on a promotional poster for the film, and won it! It doesn't hang in my home, for there is no space for it. I just wanted it because I love the film so much. One of my all time favorite cliches comes from this film (Well tell him to take a flying leap at a rolling donut). All of the acting is top notch and I always feel for the characters when I watch it. Thanks for producing this video about this wonderful film.

[@pablobulldog]

You did this justice.

[@davewalter1216]

That was great, thanks, I've heard 'Battleground' listed as their favourite WWII film by historians too. Well, historians who built their career interviewing WWII veterans anyway. Have you considered some of the Pacific War films like 'They Were Expendable'? I suppose that was within the war and so on the propaganda side, but did include veterans like Robert Montgomery and John Ford.

[@janii4]

I have just found this channel and subscribed. Although I am not a fan of war movies this video is excellent. The modern reviews of the movie are risible. People in the 1940s were more able to judge the movie as they lived it. Modern reviewers must not be familiar with the quote "war is long periods of boredom punctuated by moments of sheer terror."

[@aukrest]

Excellent video! Im a fan of Wellman's but havent made it to this one yet. This video inspired me to finally watch Battleground

[@CinemaCities1978]

Hope you enjoy it! Please, come back and let me know what you think.

[@randydalmas]

Interesting story on Battleground. Better than a director's commentary on a DVD! Everyone credits Platoon with starting the actors bootcamp process, but this film did it over 36 years earlier. The film was really ahead of its time.

[@Michaela1942]

I've loved this film all my life - so much so that we own a well used dvd of it. As the child of a WW2 veteran who spent some childhood years on military bases, it is one of the most real WW2 films ever made.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Same. We had an old VHS tape on the shelf when I was a kid. This is a film I know by heart.

[@jamesfarley8356]

A great war movie that I have seen many times on TCM cable channel & also have it on DVD to watch it again any time 😃🥰

[@ajbartholomew4499]

I’ve watched this movie many times never missed the music. Thanks. It’s always been one of my favorites.

[@keeftaylor834]

Saving Private Ryan came out when I was in middle school and I saw it in theater, a great film. All these years later, my favorite WWII movie is still Battleground. The story is great, the acting and dialogue is what makes this movie the classic it is. My 2 favorite scenes is when Layton says "well tell him to take a flying leap through a rolling donut," which is clearly the most eloquent 1940's version of "go F yourself." And the scene where the Germans drop the propaganda leaflets during the battle, after it's read aloud they are discarded, Kenny spits his chew onto one, meanwhile Pops picks up several before walking off alone in the woods...obviously finding a useful re-purpose of the paper. Excellent youtube video, I learned a lot from it.

[@robs9237]

I appreciate the hard work you put into this video I can tell this video was no walk in the park.

[@CinemaCities1978]

this one was a like birthing a 12 pound baby 😵‍💫 😂

[@paulholcombe7324]

I believe it is the greatest war movie ever made. It was the Band of Brothers of that decade. Thank you for the effort to make this tribute.

[@unclerat2131]

Excellent. Wonderfully documented and refreshingly personalized. I have seen the film over a dozen times over the years, but it is only now that I have been told there wasn't a musical score. I never noticed its absence. I think Battleground and A Walk In the Sun are my favorite war films of this era, and I will watch it again, possibly tonight. Thanks.

[@brianmungermusic1744]

Wow. Great coverage. My father fought from D-Day plus 3 to Germany. Loved his stories. He became Chief of Police and served his country and community in so many ways. Miss him daily. The Greatest Generation is slowly fading. Our Freedom is not Free.

[@tackysum]

Thank you so much for this fascinating and informative breakdown of this movie. I have heard of this film but never seen it. I'll rectify that shortly. I really enjoy your analysis. Thanks again.

[@CinemaCities1978]

you're welcome! I hope you enjoy the movie!

[@stevemoody13]

Great work! It seems every time I watch one of your videos it affects my planned viewing for the evening. You've done it again. I haven't seen this in quite a few years. It feels like it might be time to watch it again. Thanks.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Sorry about that 😉

[@johnzx6r]

I enjoy just about all of your videos, but with this one, you truly hit it out of the park. Thank you.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Wow, thank you!

[@oOneenOo]

Thank you so so much for this, it's one of my all time favorite films and I had no idea of the story behind making it. It's scary to think that it could have never come to fruition. My Dad was with the 327th in Vietnam (in WWII the 3rd battalion of the 327th glider was substituted by 1st battalion of the 401st glider infantry) and this movie has a special place in my heart because of his unit's service history. The Screaming Eagles are an incredibly proud division. Anyway, thank you again, truly loved this video.

[@oOneenOo]

Ok just a follow up because I wasn't finished with the video when I wrote my comment. As if I needed any other reason to be bitter at the so called "critics" of today....I mean, we see what's being put out and peddled so ...And yes, that's a generalization, but, generally I haven't seen much worth going to the theater for. Few and far between. And I'm only 34. A young, immature screw up of a 34 year old so that's my demographic. Regardless, this is still one of my favorite films especially if you are familiar with the overall story of Bastogne, the Ardennes Offensive, the works of Mark Bando to seek out all the individual untold stories of the average dogface thrust into that action. Those guys just got off the line in Holland after 72 days of miserable fighting on the Island. They were beat, nursing wounds and trench foot (or trench mouth in Don Burgett's case which I didn't know was a thing). They were going on pass to Reims or Paris, waiting for the Champagne Bowl football game. The we're thrown into combat with little or no ammo, winter clothing or supplies. I mean, the 1/327 are known forever more as the Bastogne Bulldogs because of it. As Gen. Bill Lee stated, the division has no history, but it has a rendezvous with destiny. This was it. And Battleground is an amazing depiction of it, with some of the actual guys that were there. If anyone could adequately critique the film, it's them and we know how they felt about it. I suppose, that's what matters most. I know many, many people of all ages that adore and praise this picture so don't take much notice of the trash reviews. Wow that pissed me off.

[@MrJJuK]

Loved the drill scene in the beginning 🙏

[@aprylrittenhouse4562]

Every Gen has its huge war film. The longest day, big red one,saving private ryan,band of brothers... Wh as t did surprise me was the actor bootcamp and members of the 101rst as extras. Most everyone wants to know what it was like. And band of brothers answered that question. You can't kno w unless you were there. This was a very good video.

[@DavidSmith-fv1jf]

always wonderful and intelligent. THANK YOU!

[@TheloniousCube]

Wow! Yes, this is one of your best efforts to date - very moving. I love the rebuttal to (Amazon? YT?) reviews in the last section. Modern younger viewers so often have too little appreciation for "talky" films and require constant visual stimulation and "action" - it's a shame, really. Thank you for this!

[@asukalangley6494]

Amazing video. Wasn't familiar with this film but the film and its history are interesting. You sold me on the movie. If I can find it I'd like to see it. Great research and I appreciate all your hard work on this one.

[@CinemaCities1978]

The movie is linked in the video description. You can watch it for free. I hope you like it.

[@carolnelson9269]

Great movie about the privation that the Screaming Eagles (and the rest of the defenders caught up in the Bulge) dealt with. A classic film.

[@rdm925]

Thanks, so much for this video of the making of Battleground. I'm so glad I found it and I'm a subscriber now. Ever since I first saw Battleground as a boy, it's been one of my favorite films and I still get emotional at the end when they straighten up and proudly march back past the the relief units and start the "Jodi was there when you left." cadence. Love it!! Thanks, again!

[@thehollywoodfiles1328]

first class content. this was excellent!

[@CinemaCities1978]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kenkahre9262]

Thank you for telling this story. I have loved this movie ever since I first saw it, but never knew the background of its creation. In my opinion, its one of the few great war movies that Hollywood has ever made, and I say this not only as a movie buff, but also as a vet.

[@4Topwood]

This video is so good I had to pause it several times to take it in fully. Your knowledge, insight and artistry are are astonishing. Thank you.

[@CinemaCities1978]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this one!

[@4Topwood]

​@@CinemaCities1978I enjoy all your work, Cin. I'm sorry if I didn't make that clear. This one impressed me because it's so hard to talk about war movies without politicizing them. Yet you managed it with ease.

[@jongerdemann2824]

Excellently done. Well worth the wait on this one. I don’t usually like watching KZbin videos that are longer than 20 min but this was an exception. Now I can’t wait to watch the actual film.

[@CinemaCities1978]

thank you. I really hope you enjoy the movie. It's truly a 10/10

[@kirkmooneyham]

I went and watched this movie after this video was recommended, and I was not disappointed. I think it's awesome that the 327th Glider Infantry Regiment (327 GIR) was picked as the unit in the movie. The paratroopers get a lot of credit, which they earned, but the glidermen served with distinction, as well, and endured just as much danger. Look up WWII combat gliders, and you will see what I mean.

[@awesomedallastours]

All the hard work paid off. You've made your best video so far. Outstanding.

[@CinemaCities1978]

thank you!

[@catbutte4770]

Brilliant video. Thank you.

[@CinemaCities1978]

thanks for watching!

[@lewbass]

Thank you for making this video. The movie is one of my favorites. The dialogue is indeed dated by today's standards, but this is how it was in the 40's and your account demonstrates that very effetively.

[@DRFelGood]

A classic, I’ve watch this movie at least 29 times, once a year throughout my Firefighter career. 🇺🇸 my best to all who served 🇺🇸 one of my seven uncle’s was KIA at Bastogne 🇺🇸

[@j.dunlop8295]

I had 2 uncle's at the Frontline of the "battle of Bulge" Jesse and Olen, 101st and 82nd airborne! Both never spoke to their kids about it. Jesse's two sons didn't know about it at all. Olen only told his younger brothers, how to survive on the frontlines. Both served in the military, Korea and Vietnam!

[@Gene4662]

A lot of hard work went into the making of this video, and it shows. It was entertaining, informative, insightful, and gave me a greater appreciation of this film, which I've always liked...this video has me liking it even more. And as far as those naysayers of the film out there...well, nuts. Well done, and thank you for sharing.

[@thomaschildress360]

Very very very.....well done!!!

[@hawkspeak8592]

Fantastic job. Especially in given all credit to all those who made this film happen. Loved it all. Gonna go rewatch it now. If they ever release it again in 4k, this oughta be one of the extras for it.

[@davidgladstone5261]

This is a fantastic story of one of my favorite films. Band of Brothers took a lot from this film to portray the 101st at Bastogne. Great cast, James Whitmore is unforgettable as Sgt. Kinney.

[@believewhat]

Cinema Cities lady...you have your "Tour De Force" here...I LOVED it, and I nominate you to be a staff-member of TCM or anything else that deserves your great talent

[@wayned1807]

Yes! I agree! They should at least ask you to introduce this movie on TCM.

[@donovanleighton5700]

Brilliant. My folks were domestic workers in the home of Dote Schary. Much of my childhood was spent at the house on Rockingham Road. I understood that Mr. Schary made message pictures. And I took on-board all the messages. One of the characters in “Battleground” carries my family name.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Wow. That's amazing! The character Jim Layton played by Marshall Thompson.

[@naftalibendavid]

AWESOME WORK. Thanks so much.

[@fantasycamp4000]

OMG this is one of the best accounts of a battle during war. I think this movie and The Longest Day are the two best movies based on WWII. It's funny how close to reality this movie comes when showing how individual soldiers lived in foxholes. Historically the Battle of the Bulge is depicted accurately. This will always be one of my favorite WWII movies. If you want to see a movie based on how the home front in England was during WWII watch Mrs Miniver.

[@Mike-zw7fq]

I enjoyed your vidio. It is Very Well Done. Best Wishes from Montana! M.H.

[@CinemaCities1978]

Thank you very much!

[@smokinhalf]

Thank you!.. I own the dvd and watch it every so often great film one of me favorites

[@roblee1066]

Beautifully done. Thank you.

[@CinemaCities1978]

You're welcome.

[@MajWMartin]

I have watched this movie maybe 50 times. If it is on somewhere I will watch it. I spent 22 years all told in the Army starting with 2 tours in Vietnam with the 101st. and ending on alert for Desert Storm. My favorite scene is at the end when those who survived the battle are walking out. Tired beyond belief they see the fresh troops coming to replace them. They then straighten themselves up and march out like soldiers. Yes I know it's pure Hollywood, But having served in the 101 it just looks and sounds like something we would do.

[@migmadmarine]

Its not hollywood in that scene. It's what the french call esprit de corp(pride in your unit)