The Red Badge of Courage

The Red Badge of Courage is a 1951 American war film made by MGM. Directed by John Huston, it was produced by Gottfried Reinhardt with Dore Schary as executive producer. The screenplay is by John Huston, adapted by Albert Band from Stephen Crane's 1895 novel of the same name. The cinematography is by Harold Rosson, and the music score by Bronislau Kaper. The making of this film is the subject of Lillian Ross's 1952 book Picture, originally in The New Yorker. The American Civil War film is a sparse but faithful retelling of the story, incorporating narration from the text to move the plot forward. Audie Murphy, a hero of World War II who later went into acting, played the lead role of Henry Fleming. Other actors include cartoonist Bill Mauldin, Andy Devine, Arthur Hunnicutt and Royal Dano. Plot In 1862, a regiment of the Union Army is encamped near the Rappahannock River in Virginia. Orders direct the regiment to move up river to engage the enemy. Private Henry Fleming tells his comrades he is not afraid. On patrol, Henry exchanges words with an unseen Confederate soldier stationed across the river who tells Henry to watch out for the "red badge," meaning a battle wound. The regiment confidently sets out, but Henry is pensive. As the regiment engages in battle, Henry's buddy, Tom Wilson, tells Henry to give his watch to his parents if he is killed. During the battle, Henry deserts his regiment. He learns his outfit won the battle, but he fears derision if he returns. Henry sees his wounded comrades coming from battle, and wishes he, too, had a "red badge of courage." Henry slips back into the regiment as they march. One of his comrades, Jim Conklin, is delusional from his injuries and dies. Henry sees another Union regiment retreating and he is knocked unconscious by a soldier who refuses to tell Henry the reason for the retreat. Regaining consciousness, Henry meets a soldier who escorts him to his regiment. Henry falsely tells Tom his head injury was received in battle. Henry tells Tom about Jim's death. Tom tells Henry his absence was not noticed due to the heavy casualties suffered. The next day, Henry talks as if he, too, engaged in the battle. The regiment faces another battle. This time, Henry wildly charges toward the enemy with passion until he is ordered back into ranks. Henry and Tom fetch water at a creek and overhear the General planning an attack. They report the news to the regiment. The regiment attacks.