"The Fighting Sullivans" (1944)
This is the true story of five close-knit Irish American brothers growing up together in Iowa during the Depression. The movie opens with baptism scenes from each son, George, Francis, Joseph, Madison, and Al and follows them through their childhood adventures as they slide down the banister each morning to greet a new day of fishing, sailing, or even getting into a scrap with some neighborhood boys that lands the youngest Sullivan, Al, a "Shiner" the day before his first communion. Through struggle, adventure and fun, the Sullivan brothers learn to direct their "fighting spirit" and work as a team-- as a family.
So, when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, the five Sullivans knew what they had to do--They were going to join the Navy and serve together on the same ship. They had to petition Washington in order to do so and when Washington granted their petition, their fate was sealed. Tragically, in November of 1942, All five Sullivans gave their lives in service to their country, fighting together to the very end.
A little corny in parts, but very enjoyable and well worth watching. Thank you Mr. Hardware store owner who wouldn't stop recommending this movie to us when we marched into your store the other day. You were right, this movie was perfect for us!
7 comments:
Tell him "thank you" from us too! We love good movie recommendations.
This is a very moving story and the most tragic because its true. I live in Iowa and we have a stadium dedicated to them in their honor. It's called The 5 Sullivan's Center. I think its wonderful that so many people can be touched by their story, and did you know that because of them, no siblings are ever allowed to be enlisted in the same company anymore?
Thanks for recommending the movie to others.
I loved that movie, Suzanne.
This is a childhood staple of my mom's (she with seven brothers). She said it would always make all the boys cry.
This movie is an old favorite in our family. When hubby or the boy (now a young man of 20) tie their tie too short, they joke about it being their "Fighting Sullivan" look, LOL.
Thank you for the heads up. Off to add it to the Netflix list.
looks like i have another great one for the netflix queue! thanks for sharing all the good info on it!
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