A Walk in the Sun 1945

     This film is based on a novel by Harry Brown.  The setting is during the 1944 invasion of Italy by American servicemen.  A platoon lands, digs in and then makes its way inland to blow up a bridge.  The bridge is next to a fortified farmhouse and the tension and casualties begin to mount.  There are long quiet stretches of talking and then sharp random burst of violent action.  Those involved are also not able to see the big picture but only the here and now.

     I know this film has received many accolades but maybe I just didn’t see that movie??  I thought this was sappy and unrealistic??  Also, another review has pointed out that it's a good idea to read the book prior to watching the film??  2* (I didn’t like this movie) 

117 min, War directed by Lewis Milestone with Dana Andrews, Richard Conte, George Tyne, John Ireland, Lloyd Bridge, Sterling Holloway, Norman Lloyd, Herbert Rudley, Richard Benedict, Huntz Hall, James Cardwell.

Note:  Imdb 7.3 out of 10, 100% critic 77% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Amazon 3.8* out of 5* with 73 reviews, TCM Leonard Maltin 3.5* out of 4* average user rating 4.35*.

Special Note:  Filmed in Agoura Ranch, Agoura and 20^th Century Fox Ranch, Calabasas, California.  Named one of the year’s ten best films by the National Board of Review.  This is the film debut of John Ireland and Robert Horton.  Producer Sam Bronston was forced to shut down production due to problems with creditors.  The project was taken over by Director Lewis Milestone and his company Superior Productions.  There is another film with the same title filmed in 2012.