The Red Badge of Courage

"Stephen Crane's Great American Story of the Civil War"

Oct 11 1951 Approved 1h 9m
Drama, War

Henry Fleming is a young Union soldier in the American Civil War. During his unit's first engagement, Henry flees the battlefield in fear. When he learns that the Union actually won the battle, shame over his cowardice leads him to lie to his friend Tom and the other soldiers, saying that he had been injured in battle. However, when he learns that his unit will be leading a charge against the enemy, Henry takes the opportunity to face his fears and redeem himself.

Plot

Plot centers around how a young recruit (Audie Murphy) faces the horrors of war. Character vascilates between wanting to fight and doubting his own courage. In midst of first bloody encounter, Youth runs away. After seeing dead and wounded, sense of shame leads him back to his unit, where he distinguishes himself in the next battle. Having overcome his fear of "the great Death" he knows e can face whatever comes. Somewhat sentimental "coming of age" tale was pet project of John Huston, who fought MGM over casting of Murphy and Bill Mauldin in lead roles.

Written by

Stephen Crane, John Huston, Albert Band

Directed by

John Huston

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

Languages

English

Awards

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award1 win & 1 nomination total

Scores
# of Votes
5,061
Average Rating
7.1 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA