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Poster for Sergeant York

Sergeant York

Seen it?

1941 | 134 min | War, Drama, History

Saturday Special

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It won 2 Oscars, it earned strong reviews (85% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it made about 12 times its budget. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for history buffs. If you loved The Longest Day or War Horse, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 14 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1941: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Alvin York a hillbilly sharpshooter transforms himself from ruffian to religious pacifist. He is then called to serve his country and despite deep religious and moral objections to fighting becomes one of the most celebrated American heroes of WWI.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    85% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.2 out of 10

  • AwardsVery strong

    Won 2 Oscars: Academy Awards: Best Actor, Academy Awards: Best Film Editing. Also nominated for 9 more Oscars. Plus 2 other awards.

  • Box office & staying powerStrong

    $16 million worldwide on a $1 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 94K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Howard Hawks

  • Gary CooperAlvin C. York
  • Walter BrennanPastor Rosier Pile
  • Joan LeslieGracie Williams
  • George Tobias"Pusher" Ross
  • Stanley RidgesMajor Buxton
  • Margaret WycherlyMother York
  • Ward BondIke Botkin
  • Noah Beery Jr.Buck Lipscomb
  • June LockhartRosie York
  • Dickie MooreGeorge York