The Thin Red Line

1964·99'

Andrew Marton

War

★ 6.1

Letterboxd TMDB #188608

It separates the coward from the brave The tough and the tender Sex and Love

Set during the Allied invasion of the island of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theater during WWII, this film is based on the novel by James Jones. Keir Dullea is Private Doll, who dreads the invasion and steals a pistol to help him protect himself. Sergeant Welsh (Jack Warden), a caustic, battle-scarred veteran, hates Doll, whom he considers a coward. In battle, Doll kills a Japanese soldier and is filled with remorse, which further angers the sergeant. The next day, an emboldened Doll wipes out an entire enemy machine gun post and begins to feel as sadistic as Welsh. The two must work together to clear away some mines, but as they do, their platoon is surprised by a Japanese raid.

Cast

Keir Dullea Pvt. Doll

Jack Warden First Sgt. Welsh

James Philbrook Col. Tall

Bob Kanter Fife

Ray Daley Capt. Stone

Merlyn Yordan Judy

Kieron Moore Lt. Band

Jim Gillen Capt. Gaff

Steve Rowland Mazzi

Stephen Young Stack

Mark Johnson Medic

Jason Fithian Pvt. Smalls