Sergeant York (1941)
Howard Hawks' landmark war drama follows a Tennessee sharpshooter whose faith and patriotism collide on the battlefields of World War I.
Sergeant York - Movie Information
- Original Title: Sergeant York
- Release Year: 1941
- Directed by: Howard Hawks
- Type: Movie
- Genres: War, Drama
- Age Rating (US): NR
- Runtime: 2h 14m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English, French, German
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 27, 1941 (United States - NR), December 15, 1941 (Brazil - e 12)
- Alternative Titles: Sargento York (BR), 요크 상사 (KR)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Sergeant York - Plot
Alvin York a hillbilly sharpshooter transforms himself from ruffian to religious pacifist. He is then called to serve his country and despite deep religious and moral objections to fighting becomes one of the most celebrated American heroes of WWI.
Sergeant York - Trailer
Watch the official trailer for this classic Howard Hawks war epic:
Missiles! Jets! Tanks! ... It's still the guy with guts and a gun who wins the war!
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Sergeant York - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Howard Hawks
Main Cast
- Gary Cooper
- Walter Brennan
- Joan Leslie
- George Tobias
- Stanley Ridges
- Margaret Wycherly
- Ward Bond
- Noah Beery Jr.
- June Lockhart
- Dickie Moore
Writers
- Harry Chandlee
- Abem Finkel
- Alvin C. York
- John Huston
- Howard Koch
Producers
- Hal B. Wallis
- Jesse L. Lasky
- Howard Hawks
Sergeant York - FAQs
Is Sergeant York based on a true story?
Yes, Sergeant York is based on the real life of Alvin C. York, a Tennessee marksman who became one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War I. After capturing 132 German soldiers nearly single-handedly in October 1918, York was awarded the Medal of Honor.
Who plays Alvin York in the film?
Gary Cooper plays Alvin C. York, and his performance earned him the Academy Award for Best Actor. Cooper brings a quiet, deeply human dignity to the role, capturing both York's humble Tennessee roots and his extraordinary courage on the battlefield.
Did Gary Cooper win an Oscar for Sergeant York?
He did! Gary Cooper won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Alvin York at the 14th Academy Awards in 1942. The film itself received 11 Oscar nominations in total, including Best Picture, and took home two wins, with William Holmes also winning for Best Film Editing.
What is Sergeant York about?
The film follows Alvin York, a rough-edged Tennessee hillbilly who undergoes a profound religious conversion and becomes a pacifist — only to be drafted into World War I. Wrestling with his faith and his duty, York ultimately becomes one of America's greatest war heroes through an astonishing act of battlefield courage.
Where can I watch Sergeant York today?
You can watch Sergeant York on TCM with a subscription, or stream it for free with ads on Fandango at Home Free and Kanopy. It's also available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home, and Spectrum On Demand.
Was Sergeant York controversial when it was released?
Yes, the film sparked real debate. Released just months before Pearl Harbor, isolationists accused it of being pro-war propaganda designed to push the United States into World War II. A Senate subcommittee even investigated Hollywood studios for alleged warmongering — though the attack on Pearl Harbor quickly ended that controversy.
How long is Sergeant York?
Sergeant York runs for 134 minutes — just over two hours and fourteen minutes. The runtime gives the film room to breathe, allowing Howard Hawks to develop Alvin York's personal transformation fully before the dramatic wartime sequences that made the real York a legend.
What are some movies similar to Sergeant York?
If you enjoy Sergeant York, you might also love 1917 (2019), Devotion (2022), and Guy Ritchie's The Covenant (2023) for their gripping portrayals of wartime courage. For classic war drama, Miracle at St. Anna (2008) and The Hurt Locker (2008) offer compelling perspectives on soldiers under extraordinary pressure.
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