Audie Murphy was the most decorated American soldier of the second world war. He was also the leading man in To Hell and Back, the story of his own war experience
Truth is the first casualty of the war movie. Ask a British D-day veteran who has seen Saving Private Ryan. Or a Zulu who's seen Zulu. Or anyone who has seen Where Eagles Dare. But what about To Hell and Back? The veracity of that one is harder to call. It's a 1955 spectacular about the war in Europe that had finished 10 years earlier: the story of a teenage Nazi slayer who, in January 1945, secured himself the congressional medal of honour by mounting the burning carcass of a tank and gunning down a phalanx of Germans. His name was Audie Murphy. He was the most decorated American soldier of the second world war. He was also the leading man in To Hell and Back.
Truth is the first casualty of the war movie. Ask a British D-day veteran who has seen Saving Private Ryan. Or a Zulu who's seen Zulu. Or anyone who has seen Where Eagles Dare. But what about To Hell and Back? The veracity of that one is harder to call. It's a 1955 spectacular about the war in Europe that had finished 10 years earlier: the story of a teenage Nazi slayer who, in January 1945, secured himself the congressional medal of honour by mounting the burning carcass of a tank and gunning down a phalanx of Germans. His name was Audie Murphy. He was the most decorated American soldier of the second world war. He was also the leading man in To Hell and Back.
- 12/4/2009
- by Matthew Sweet
- The Guardian - Film News
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.