The Red Badge of Courage

Matt McKeon

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I saw this tonight, the 1951 starring war hero Audie Murphy. It was directed by John Huston, who made a 135 minute version. It didn't test well, and the studio cut it to 70 minutes, then lost or destroyed the negative, so the mutilated film could never be restored. What a loss!

Murphy is pretty good as the self doubting "Youth" considering he seemed to not doubt himself at all in actual WWII combat. The short film, with a ponderous narration by James Whitmore, has its moments, beautifully composed and deep focused shots, interesting character actors: the sincere and steady Jim Conlin, the strict lieutenant, and the most interesting of all, Bill Maudlin the cartoonist as one of Murphy's comrades, a substantial part.

But it has been slashed to bits. Too bad. I think it should be remade today, properly.
 

Viper21

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I believe The Red Badge of Courage, is the first book I ever read on my own. A hardback was given to me when I was 15yrs old. That very book is on the bookshelf behind me, as I type this post. Safe to say, it is special to me.

I would love to see a new remake of the story as well.
 
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