The Long Gray Line (1955)

John Ford pours on the sentiment like syrup in The Long Gray Line, a tribute to the traditions of West Point. Tyrone Power ages 50 years to play real-life West Point legend Martin Maher, the scrappy Irish immigrant who rises from "another Mick waiter" to hot-tempered cadet to one of the best-loved instructors of the institution. Power is at his best as the charming rogue with a thick brogue, who ages into a feisty, gray-haired foster father to the cadets he and his fiery Irish wife (Maureen O'Hara) adopt over the years, among them Harry Carey Jr. (as young Dwight D. Eisenhower). Ford claims he didn't care for CinemaScope, but you wouldn't know it from the handsome, lush images that fill the frame. It lolls along at a lazy 140 minutes, balancing the respectful tributes with boisterous humor and boyish pranks but always centered by the generous heart of Maher. --Sean Axmaker Amazon.com

My All Time Favorite Movie

At 63 years of age I've watched 100s and 100s of movies. The Long Grey Line is hands down my favorite movie of all time. The acting is superb, the story line magnificent and the character development is without par. It is a very emotional movie for me and I've watched it every chance I get. Now that I've purchased it from Amazon.com I don't have to wait on the whim of one of the cable channels to show it. I would definitely recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a well made movie and likes a good cry!!! May 30, 2008

This one's a keeper!

Introduce yourself to the world of classic films if you haven't done it already. THE LONG GRAY LINE is a fine, nostalgic old film, wonderful for watching on a cold winter's night. Yes, it's sentimental, but it's a good kind of sentiment, and you'll get a look at some of the finest actors and one of the finest directors of the era. This is the story of Martin Maher, the big-hearted Irish immigrant who began at West Point by breaking dishes and ended as one of the most beloved instructors of the institution. You'll be treated to fine actors such as Tyrone Power and Maureen O'Hara, legends of their time, as well as director John Ford (perhaps most renowned for his work with John Wayne). Give it a try. November 27, 2007

Alby

This was a great movie for those that appreciate tasteful and wholesome entertainment. No profanity or tasteless scenes and wonderful actors that cannot be matched by todays crowd of egocentric exhibitionists. If you are looking for sex, profanity and tasteless dialog don't order this. But, if you want a movie that the whole family can view and pays homage to dedicated military, buy it. September 22, 2007

Irish Blarney at the Point

This touching film lays it on thick with the Irish brogues! One would almost think West Point was an Irish military academy! Tyrone Power does a great job portraying this stock Irish character at the Point. I assume someone like this was actually there for that amount of time. But one wonders if this was truly so. I doubt the Point would have a swimming instructor who could not swim!

What makes this movie more than anything else are all the nice shots of the grounds at the Point. This is what gives you a feel for the film. The USMA Acadmey Band and Hell Cats put in some nice martial music, again much of it strangely of Irish nature. The famous "Wearing of the Green" is here used as a Point song with special words to honor a popular Tavern that often served the cadets near the gronds. They have changed the words here to honor the character in the film.

Many famous US generals have gone through the Point over the years. One interesting observation once made about the instruction there is that because of the heavy emphsisas on engineering most of the Civil War graduates were often inclined to entrench and this is one reason way the war became so stagnant. West Point often encouraged a conservetive officer class in the 19th century, although there can be little doubt that engineering skills were greatly praised in the growing US. Many civil works projects were over-seen by Point graduates, and the old boy network in private industry endures until this day.

This is a nice a film, with a sense of time and history, but like most John Ford films it lays it on thick with the sentimental stuff and the Blarney! Still, a classic in its own way, and a big push for the traditions and honor of the Point. I would say its almost like the "Quiet Man" but has a bit more body to it. June 30, 2007

The Best All Around!!!

Very rarely in my life have I come across a movie that makes me cry. All you would have to do is watch the last 10 minutes of this movie to understand what I'm saying. However, you should see the entire movie - what perfection. It has comedy, drama, and great acting on all parts.

Tyrone Power (my favorite actor) gives a grade A performance. Never will you find him as loveable, or as dignified than as Martin Maher, Jr. I find it hard to believe that John Ford (the director) originally wanted John Wayne for this movie. Not to nock Wayne, but Power can convey sensitivity better. As a side note, John Wayne's son Patrick appears in the movie.

Maureen O'Hara, lovely as ever, gets back to her Irish roots in this film, and it makes for a point-perfect characterisation from the Queen of Technicolor. It isn't any wonder John Ford loved her as an actress. She's one of the best.

The movie spans 50 years at West Point Military Academy, and the life of Martin Maher and the people's lives he touched. It is a great American story. Definitely, worth every bit of the two hours and seventeen minute running time. I love this movie, and if you read this you really should be watching the movie.

Seriously, it made me cry!!! March 23, 2006

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