Lawbolisted Powerful

StyleSk8r At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

Kaydan Christian A terrific literary drama and character piece that shows how the process of creating art can be seen differently by those doing it and those looking at it from the outside.

Guillelmina The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.

John T. Ryan 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.

bkoganbing No true stories touched America during World War II as that of The Sullivans. The five Irish Catholic brothers who grew up in Ames, Iowa and had the all American boyhood that is idealized who all died in the same ship at the battle for Guadalcanal. It was inevitable that a film be made of their lives as soon as it was feasible to do so.By that I mean that with war time restrictions on battle news the whole Solomon Islands struggle had to be well in the past before the Armed Forces would give out with any details. Although it's not spelled out in the film it was two months before the parents of The Sullivans were given details of what happened to all five of their sons. And it was two years before the film was made.The story of The Sullivans and the film made from it had special significance of course to Irish Catholics. It was sixteen years before that the first Catholic candidate ran for president on a major party. At that time Alfred E. Smith's loyalty was questioned, the whole notion that a Catholic would have first allegiance to a foreign church headquartered in Rome came into play in that campaign. The story of The Sullivans had a special significance for the time that we in this new century can't possibly appreciate.20th Century Fox opted to give five fairly unknown actors the roles of The Sullivans as adults. To have cast folks as Tyrone Power or Don Ameche as one or two of the brothers would probably have detracted from the story. Sad to say the five players, Edmond Ryan, John Campbell, James Cardwell, John Alvin, and George Offerman, Jr. stayed obscure even after the film was released.The parents were played by Thomas Mitchell and Selena Royle with Anne Baxter as their sister who joined the WAVES after her brothers were killed. Not mentioned, but in real life she was married and lost a husband at Pearl Harbor. Ward Bond plays the Navy recruiter who signed up the five Sullivan boys and who also brings the most awful news that any parent could possibly hear.The Sullivans still holds up well today as a fine piece of film making and a tribute to America's fighting spirit. Which we hope will never waver.

tomwal Sure. This is a slice of Americana made during the war years. I'm sure that a bit of dramatic licence was used, but that shouldn't detract from a stirring,emotionally made movie.A true story about five brothers who served and died on the same ship at the same time,still delivers a jarring note,even when seen today. Compare it with a similar scene in Saving Private Ryan,when a mother is told about the loss of her sons in battle. The cast of The Sullivans is perfect,as is the screenplay.The scene where Ward Bond informs the Sullivan family of the deaths of the five brothers still packs a emotional wallop.Thomas Mitchell leads the cast as the elder Sullivan,who teaches the boys the ways of life.There's touches of Irish wit and wisdom that adds humor to the film. Rating: 7 out of 10 stars.

rungmc Very seldom when I was small, we would be allowed to sit up late to catch a movie, but always to the distaste of my mother, who was adamant that bedtime was bedtime, movie or not. So I'll never forget the night that we were actually called out of bed to come up and watch this, the fighting Sullivan's. We sat, engrossed in the lives of these young men, convinced that it was a comedy we were watching. The little rascals-esquire capers of the boys always stuck with me, especially the "dentist" scene. As the Sullivan's grew, we grew closer and closer to them, until the tragic finale; words cannot describe the wave of emotion that flowed over me. In the end, i turned to my dad, teary eyed, to ask him if it really was a true story; more sensitive parents would have said yes, its all made up... A truly special movie, one for everybody.