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Poster for The Red Badge of Courage

The Red Badge of Courage

Seen it?

1951 | 69 min | War

Saturday Specialearly rating

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It earned strong reviews (87% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite a box office loss. 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 General or The Guns of Navarone, start here.
The mood
Intense.
The pace
Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 9 min.
What might put you off
Made in 1951: an older pace and style.

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.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    87% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsBelow par

    1 win and 0 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $1 million worldwide on a $2 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 28K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by John Huston

  • Audie MurphyThe Youth
  • Bill MauldinThe Loud Soldier
  • Douglas DickThe Lieutenant
  • Royal DanoThe Tattered Man
  • John DierkesJim Conklin - the Tall Soldier
  • Arthur HunnicuttBill Porter
  • Tim DurantThe General
  • Andy DevineThe Cheery Soldier
  • Robert EastonThompson
  • William PhippsOfficer (uncredited)