The Thin Red Line

Story

Synopsis

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.

Director

Andrew Marton

Writers

Bernard Gordon, James Jones

Language

English

Country

United States of America

Release date

2 May 1964

Ensemble

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