Overview

 

A giant commercial success that netted nine Academy Awards, this epic addressed veterans’ difficulties reentering civilian life just three years after World War II ended. Fred (Dana Andrews), Al (Fredric March), and Homer (Harold Russell) return home to the U.S.A. after serving abroad. Although a war hero, Fred is unable to compete with more highly skilled workers and has to return to his low-wage soda jerk job. Bank executive Al tries to assist veterans with favorable loans but faces pushback for his efforts. After losing both hands in the war, Homer returns to his loving fiancée but struggles to adjust. Particularly noteworthy is Harold Rusell’s performance, as he lost both hands while working as an Army instructor prior to the role and remains the only person to have won two Oscars for the same performance.

Free for ND, SMC, and HC students.

Sponsored by the Meg and John P. Brogan Endowment for Classic Cinema.