Rating: 
Summary: Dulce et Decorum...?
Review: "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" -- "Proper and sweet it is to die for the Fatherland." These words from Vergil's "Aeneid" apply in spades to "The Long Grey Line." Beneath the film's overt message of patriotism, honour and glory lies one constant, recurring theme: It's a good, grand and glorious thing for young men to be so filled with dreams of militaristic "glory and honour" that they are ready to die for "The Reich." And it's a good, grand and glorious thing as well for the loved ones they leave behind in mourning.Am I being a touch judgemental? Darn right. So why did I give it four stars? First, any film with Tyrone Power, Maureen O'Hara, Ward Bond and the score of other fine actors (and an actress or two) is already worth at least three stars in my book. Secondly, the film is so over-the-top in its melodramatic depiction of "fantasy patriotism" that I wonder whether its creators didn't mean to suggest the folly of militaristic utopianism through the expedient use of a near lethal overdose of hyper-pious hands-over-hearts whenever Old Glory passes by, the ultra-dramatic portrayals that "my tragic loss is really my strength and glory," and the continuous flag-waving, death-worshipping and militaristic sentimentalising that saturates this film from start to finish. On the one hand, the war-sentimentalisers who have always sent and who continue to send young men to early graves for the sake of political and/or corporate interests will undoubtedly see this film in one light. One that appears to validate their own far-from-honourable interests and agendas. On the other, those who despise the fantasy of militaristic glory may well see a brilliant portrayal of the waste of young lives, a waste that brings the hero of the film to sanctimoniously mark the deaths of his former youthful cadets with a black ribbon in the appropriate yearbook. In either case, the message will be in the eye -- and prompted by the true nature of the heart and soul -- of the viewer. Whatever the case, I recommend that any viewer of this classic film follow up with a sobering shot of "Taps." And that in viewing that rather different presentation of military school cadets special attention be paid to the professional soldier who accuses his own honour-enraptured cadet son of being "in love with death."
Rating:
Summary: Dulce et Decorum...?
Review: "Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori" -- "Proper and sweet it is to die for the Fatherland." These words from Vergil's "Aeneid" apply in spades to "The Long Grey Line." Beneath the film's overt message of patriotism, honour and glory lies one constant, recurring theme: It's a good, grand and glorious thing for young men to be so filled with dreams of militaristic "glory and honour" that they are ready to die for "The Reich." And it's a good, grand and glorious thing as well for the loved ones they leave behind in mourning. Am I being a touch judgemental? Darn right. So why did I give it four stars? First, any film with Tyrone Power, Maureen O'Hara, Ward Bond and the score of other fine actors (and an actress or two) is already worth at least three stars in my book. Secondly, the film is so over-the-top in its melodramatic depiction of "fantasy patriotism" that I wonder whether its creators didn't mean to suggest the folly of militaristic utopianism through the expedient use of a near lethal overdose of hyper-pious hands-over-hearts whenever Old Glory passes by, the ultra-dramatic portrayals that "my tragic loss is really my strength and glory," and the continuous flag-waving, death-worshipping and militaristic sentimentalising that saturates this film from start to finish. On the one hand, the war-sentimentalisers who have always sent and who continue to send young men to early graves for the sake of political and/or corporate interests will undoubtedly see this film in one light. One that appears to validate their own far-from-honourable interests and agendas. On the other, those who despise the fantasy of militaristic glory may well see a brilliant portrayal of the waste of young lives, a waste that brings the hero of the film to sanctimoniously mark the deaths of his former youthful cadets with a black ribbon in the appropriate yearbook. In either case, the message will be in the eye -- and prompted by the true nature of the heart and soul -- of the viewer. Whatever the case, I recommend that any viewer of this classic film follow up with a sobering shot of "Taps." And that in viewing that rather different presentation of military school cadets special attention be paid to the professional soldier who accuses his own honour-enraptured cadet son of being "in love with death."
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring and well-made
Review: Highly enjoyable tale of the life of Marty Maher, the Irish immigrant who rose from humble waiter to become West Point's beloved athletic trainer and football coach for more than 50 years. Despite personal tragedies, and through two World Wars, Maher inspired generations of young men who came through the distinguished Army officers' academy, including future legends like Omar Bradley and Dwight D. Eisenhower. Tyrone Power is excellent and compelling as he portrays Maher from young idealist to elderly sage, Irish accent intact all the way. The scenery and West Point pageantry is fun to watch (although some of it looks like it was filmed inside a studio -- but much else looks like it may have been filmed at the Military Academy). Interestingly, there's not really all that much football in this film -- there's a little, but it's mainly the story of Maher and his family, and the young men he came to love like his own sons. With the flame-haired Maureen O'Hara as Maher's Irish wife Mary, giving a radiant performance. Sentimental in that '50s way, of course, but the legendary director John Ford (working with a cast made up of many of his favorites) always puts a bite behind the sweetness.
Rating: 
Summary: Great flick - It didn't tape, so I'm buying it !
Review: I (thought) I taped this film while watching it, on broadcast, last weekend. The tape didn't come out. I want to see it again, and I want my kids to see it. Entertaining, funny, poignant, endearing, patriotic, valuable. Quiet Man in America. I love this film.
Rating:
Summary: This film embodies the American dream of serving your countr
Review: I agree with Maltin's comment on sentimentality, but, the values expressed in this film are exactly the kind that Americans say are rapidly diminishing in our society. If I had my way, all 9th grade students would be required to watch this film.
Rating:
Summary: As with so many John Ford films... a "must see!"
Review: I can't believe that I'd never stumbled across this film till yesterday. Thank god for AMC! Sentimental... sometimes sad... often funny... if I had to limit my review to one word, I'd chose "uplifting." If you've never seen it, I respectfully suggest that you run out to your nearest video outlet and rent it. It would also make a fine gift for any fan of John Ford pictures, especially those who consider "The Quiet Man" one of the greatest motion pictures ever made.
Rating:
Summary: BEST FORD WITHOUT WAYNE
Review: I first saw this movie at our local in the late 50`s here in the U.K. The Memory of Marty Maher never left.. Looking through Amazon one evening i noticed it was available. Well done it arrived in 6 days. Some things you order locally take longer than that.After all these years since i last saw it it`s still a great movie and still brings a tear to the eye. Tyrone Power was perfect, sadly nearing the end of his life as Marty Maher. Nothing against John Wayne who i understand was the first choice but this was`nt his part. Maureen o Hara is wonderful. Ward Bond as "That blackhearted master of the sword" as Marty calls him and Donald Crisp as Marty snr. Its a long movie covering 50 years but never you loose interest. Its perfect. John Ford wanted to be remembered as the man who made westerns. Well he made other great movie`s as well. In my opinion this is an equal to The Quiet Man....The Long Gray Line. The best Ford without John Wayne.
Rating:
Summary: A Great Movie
Review: I had never seen or heard of this movie until Dec 95. I was at pre Army-Navy game party with some of my classmates and we were looking for something to watch. We stumbled across this video. The movie I feel is a great one. How can you not like a true story. I won't bore you how good or bad the acting was. The story that is told is great, progressing over 40 years. You actually get to see life inside the Grey walls of West Point, which few people actually get to do. This movie just made me even more proud to call myself a West Point Cadet and now a West Point Graduate. 1LT K.R. McKenney, Korea
Rating:
Summary: A Great Movie
Review: I had never seen or heard of this movie until Dec 95. I was at pre Army-Navy game party with some of my classmates and we were looking for something to watch. We stumbled across this video. The movie I feel is a great one. How can you not like a true story. I won't bore you how good or bad the acting was. The story that is told is great, progressing over 40 years. You actually get to see life inside the Grey walls of West Point, which few people actually get to do. This movie just made me even more proud to call myself a West Point Cadet and now a West Point Graduate. 1LT K.R. McKenney, Korea
Rating:
Summary: John Ford's Greatest Movie
Review: I never thought I'd like a John Ford movie more than The Quiet Man, but after I saw The Long Gray Line, I have to change my opinion. Patriotic, hearwarming, honest and traditional. If you're into any of this, and you like John Ford, you'll absolutely love LGL. On the other hand, if you're a fan of Jane Fonda, Alec Baldwin, William Kunstler, or other similar persons, stay away from this one.
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