The Sergeant (1968)
A searing portrait of repression and obsession, The Sergeant stands as one of Hollywood's most courageous explorations of identity, power, and desire.
The Sergeant - Movie Information
- Original Title: The Sergeant
- Release Year: 1968
- Directed by: John Flynn
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, War
- Runtime: 1h 48m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): December 20, 1968 (United Kingdom), December 25, 1968 (United States)
- Alternative Titles: Il Sergente (IT)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros.-Seven Arts
- Production Countries: United States of America
The Sergeant - Plot
Master Sgt. Albert Callan is a war hero and a no-nonsense leader who reforms his previously mismanaged military base. Although Callan seems collected, he struggles as a closeted homosexual. When the sergeant becomes obsessed with his handsome clerk, Tom Swanson, he even disrupts the young man's relationship with his French girlfriend, Solange. Since Swanson isn't receptive to Callan's advances, it creates major tension between the two men.
The Sergeant - Trailer
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Just one weakness.... Just one.
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The Sergeant - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- John Flynn
Main Cast
- Rod Steiger
- John Phillip Law
- Ludmila Mikaël
- Frank Latimore
- Elliott Sullivan
- Ronald Rubin
- Philip Roye
- Jerry Brouer
- Memphis Slim
- Nadine Alari
Writers
- Dennis Murphy
Producers
- Richard Goldstone
The Sergeant - FAQs
What is The Sergeant (1968) about?
The Sergeant follows Master Sergeant Albert Callan, a decorated war hero who takes command of a disorganized military base in postwar France. Beneath his iron discipline lies a repressed homosexuality that surfaces as a dangerous obsession with a young soldier, ultimately unraveling his authority and his sense of self.
Was The Sergeant one of Hollywood's first gay-themed films?
Yes. Released in 1968, The Sergeant is widely regarded as one of Hollywood's earliest mainstream films to deal explicitly with male homosexuality. It arrived just before the MPAA's new rating system took effect and was considered daring for its frank, sympathetic portrayal of a gay military officer at a time when such themes were virtually taboo on screen.
Who are the main actors in The Sergeant?
The Sergeant stars Rod Steiger as the tormented Master Sergeant Albert Callan and John Phillip Law as the young Private Tom Swanson. The supporting cast includes Ludmila Mikaël as Solange, Frank Latimore as Captain Loring, Elliott Sullivan, Ronald Rubin, Philip Roye, Jerry Brouer, Memphis Slim, and Nadine Alari.
How did Rod Steiger approach his role in The Sergeant?
Rod Steiger, fresh from his Oscar-winning performance in In the Heat of the Night, committed fully to the role, delivering a raw, internalized portrayal of a man at war with his own identity. His performance is widely praised for its psychological intensity, conveying Callan's authority and vulnerability simultaneously without resorting to caricature.
Where to stream or watch The Sergeant?
The Sergeant is available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Check your preferred platform for current pricing and regional availability.
Who directed The Sergeant and who wrote it?
The Sergeant was directed by John Flynn, marking his feature directorial debut. The screenplay was written by Dennis Murphy, adapted from his own 1958 novel of the same name. The film was produced by Richard Goldstone for Warner Bros.-Seven Arts.
Is The Sergeant based on a true story or a book?
The Sergeant is based on Dennis Murphy's 1958 novel of the same name, not a specific true story. Murphy's novel was considered groundbreaking for its time in addressing homosexuality in a military setting. The film adaptation retains the novel's postwar French setting and its unflinching psychological focus.
When was The Sergeant released?
The Sergeant was released on December 20, 1968, in the United Kingdom, followed by its United States release on December 25, 1968. The film was produced by Warner Bros.-Seven Arts and marked director John Flynn's debut feature.
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