Battleground (1949)
A raw, Oscar-winning portrait of American soldiers enduring the frozen siege of Bastogne during World War II's Battle of the Bulge.
Battleground - Movie Information
- Original Title: Battleground
- Release Year: 1949
- Directed by: William A. Wellman
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Action, Adventure, Drama, War
- Runtime: 1h 58m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: German, French, English, Czech
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 9, 1949 (Sweden - 15), November 9, 1949 (United States), April 10, 1958 (Germany - 12), January 1, 1950 (Brazil - e 10)
- Alternative Titles: Bojiště (CZ), De Slag om Bastogne (NL), Csatatér (HU)
- Production Companies: Loew's Incorporated, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
- Production Countries: United States of America
Battleground - Plot
Members of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division are fighting for their country amidst the rugged terrain of Bastogne, Belgium, in December 1944. Holley and his American compatriots have already seen one of their own, Roderigues, perish under enemy fire. The men try to rebuff another series of Nazi attacks, but what they really need is a change in the weather. Without clear skies, they'll never get the air support they need.
Battleground - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the battle for Bastogne unfold:
The First Great Picture Of The Second World War!
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Battleground - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- William A. Wellman
Main Cast
- Van Johnson
- John Hodiak
- Ricardo Montalban
- George Murphy
- Marshall Thompson
- Jerome Courtland
- Don Taylor
- Bruce Cowling
- James Whitmore
- Douglas Fowley
Writers
- Robert Pirosh
Producers
- Robert Pirosh
- Dore Schary
Battleground - FAQs
Is Battleground based on a true story?
Yes, Battleground is rooted in real history. It dramatizes the 101st Airborne Division's desperate defense of Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944. Screenwriter Robert Pirosh drew directly from his own combat experience as a soldier in that very campaign, lending the film remarkable authenticity.
Who are the main actors in Battleground?
The ensemble cast is led by Van Johnson as Holley and John Hodiak as Jarvess. You'll also see Ricardo Montalban, George Murphy, Marshall Thompson, James Whitmore, Don Taylor, Bruce Cowling, Jerome Courtland, and Douglas Fowley rounding out this impressive group of soldiers.
Did Battleground win any Academy Awards?
Battleground was a major awards success. It won two Academy Awards at the 1950 ceremony: Best Writing (Story and Screenplay) for Robert Pirosh and Best Cinematography (Black-and-White) for Paul Vogel. The film received six Oscar nominations in total, including Best Picture and Best Director for William A. Wellman.
Where can I stream or watch Battleground?
You can catch Battleground on TCM as part of their flat-rate streaming lineup. It's also available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand — plenty of options to choose from.
What is Battleground about?
Battleground puts you right in the frozen foxholes of Bastogne, Belgium, in December 1944. A squad of 101st Airborne soldiers — exhausted, outnumbered, and cut off — must hold their ground against relentless Nazi attacks while desperately waiting for clear skies to bring the air support that could save them.
How was Battleground received by critics?
Critics embraced Battleground warmly upon release, praising its gritty realism and ensemble performances. It was one of the highest-grossing films of 1949 and is widely regarded as one of the finest American war films ever made, celebrated for its honest, unglamourized portrayal of infantry combat.
Who directed Battleground and wrote the screenplay?
William A. Wellman directed Battleground, bringing his characteristic no-nonsense style to the material. Robert Pirosh wrote the screenplay — and his Oscar win was especially meaningful, since he had personally fought at Bastogne and based the script on his own firsthand wartime experiences.
What are some movies similar to Battleground?
If Battleground hits the spot, you might also enjoy The Forgotten Battle (2021), Blood & Gold (2023), Wolf Hound (2022), Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (1957), All Through the Night (1942), and The Ambush (2021) — all solid picks for fans of gripping WWII and wartime drama.
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