The Story of G.I. Joe

This unusual war film was director William A. Wellman's favorite.  It stands out for its warmth and realism in the telling of the individual soldiers' stories.  Actor Burgess Meredith plays war correspondent Ernie Pyle, reporting from the front lines of Italy during WWII.  Robert Mitchum's role as a young soldier was his first stand-out performance.

Lester Cowan Productions, Inc.  (Production): Lester Cowan.  Director: William A. Wellman.  Screenwriter: Leopold Atlas, Guy Endore, Phillip Stevenson.  Based on a book by Ernie Pyle.  Cinematography: Russell Metty, Archie Stout.  Editor: Albrecht Joseph.  Cast: Burgess Meredith, Robert Mitchum, Freddie Steele, Wally Cassell, Jimmy Lloyd.  35mm, b/w, 109 min.

Print courtesy of the Academy Film Archive.