The Fighting 69th main backdrop
The Fighting 69th main poster

The Fighting 69th

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5.4/10 • 24

1940-01-271h 30m

ActionDramaWar

Jammed With Action ! . . Loaded With Excitement ! . . . And Every Thrill-Packed Word Is True !

Although loudmouthed braggart Jerry Plunkett alienates his comrades and officers, Father Duffy, the regimental chaplain, has faith that he'll prove himself in the end.

Directors
William Keighley
Editors
Owen Marks

Top Billed Cast

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  1. James Cagney

    James Cagney

    Jerry Plunkett

  2. Pat O’Brien

    Pat O’Brien

    Father Duffy

  3. George Brent

    George Brent

    Wild Bill Donovan

  4. Jeffrey Lynn

    Jeffrey Lynn

    Joyce Kilmer

  5. Alan Hale

    Alan Hale

    Big Mike Wynn

  6. Frank McHugh

    Frank McHugh

    "Crepe Hanger" Burke

  7. Dennis Morgan

    Dennis Morgan

    Lieutenant Ames

  8. Dick Foran

    Dick Foran

    Long John Wynn

  9. William Lundigan

    William Lundigan

    Timmy Wynn

Reviews1

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John Chard Avatar

John Chard

Aug 28, 2014

6.5/10

Diddly day it's The Fighting 69th! Jerry Plunket is a street brawling, tough as boots rebel from Brooklyn, he has no time for the traditions of the all Irish 69th New York Regiment, and he has even less time for his army superiors. But as Jerry is about to find out, War has a knack of making or breaking a man... It's not hard to see why "The Fighting 69th" was a very popular movie back on its release, coming out as America was about to enter WWII, the flag waving patriotism targeted its audience with gusto supreme and lashes of Irish sentiment. Furthering the cause was in having James Cagney in the critical lead role of Plunkett. Yet oddly, Plunkett is the made up character here, for the story is based on actual characters that the film wishes to honour. Father Duffy (Pat O'Brien) & Wild Bill Donovan (George Brent) being two highly respected men from this actual (and highly acclaimed) fighting unit. The story follows a now well trodden path, brash cocky man learns lessons the hard way, is there to be redemption come the finale? Respect, bravery and indeed salvation are all given the once over by the makers here. There are few surprises but the film gets in there, does the job, and leaves without lingering either side of the good or bad fence. The direction from William Keighley is vigorous, and the supporting players are solid, if unspectacular (haven't we seen this O'Brien turn before?), but all and everything is second fiddle to the perfectly cast Cagney, bullish and stoic, his turn as Plunkett lifts the film above average, because without him the film would be instantly forgettable. 6.5/10

Media

  • The Fighting 69th poster
  • The Fighting 69th poster
  • The Fighting 69th poster
  • The Fighting 69th poster
  • The Fighting 69th poster
  • The Fighting 69th poster
  • The Fighting 69th poster

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Status
Released
Original Language
English
Budget
--
Revenue
--
Keywords
armyfaithchaplainregiment