SANDS OF IWO JIMA

DIRECTED BY ALLAN DWAIN
PRODUCED BY EDMUND GRAINGER
MUSIC BY VICTOR YOUNG
REPUBLIC PICTURES

http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c187/john-wayne/John%20Wayne/078201004001LZZZZZZZ.jpg..http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c187/john-wayne/John%20Wayne/sandofiwojima3.jpg

INFORMATION BY IMDb

Plot Summary
After his wife takes their son and leaves him, Sgt. John Stryker is an embittered man
who takes his misery out on the men under his command.
They're a bunch of green recruits who have a hard time dealing
with Stryker's tough drills and thicker skin.
Even his old friends start to wonder if he's gone from being the epitome
of the tough Marine drill instructor to a man over the edge.

Full Cast
John Wayne ... Sgt. John M. Stryker
John Agar ... Pfc. Peter Conway
Adele Mara ... Allison Bromley
Forrest Tucker ... Pfc. Al Thomas
Wally Cassell ... Pfc. Benny Regazzi
James Brown ... Pfc. Charlie Bass
Richard Webb ... Pfc. 'Handsome' Dan Shipley
Arthur Franz ... Cpl. Robert Dunne / Narrator
Julie Bishop ... Mary
James Holden ... Pfc. Soames
Peter Coe ... Pfc. George Hellenpolis
Richard Jaeckel ... Pfc. Frank Flynn
William Murphy ... Pfc. Eddie Flynn (as Bill Murphy)
George Tyne ... Pfc. Harris
Hal Baylor ... Pvt. 'Sky' Choynski (as Hal Fieberling)
John McGuire ... Capt. Joyce
Martin Milner ... Pvt. Mike McHugh
Leonard Gumley ... Pvt. Sid Stein
William Self ... Pvt. L.D. Fowler Jr.
David M. Shoup ... Himself (as Col. D.M. Shoup U.S.M.C.)
H.P. Crowe ... Himself (as Lt. Col. H.P. Crowe U.S.M.C.)
Harold G. Schrier ... Himself (as Capt. Harold G. Schrier U.S.M.C.)
Rene A. Gagnon ... Himself (as Pfc. Rene A. Gagnon)
Ira H. Hayes ... Himself (as Pfc. Ira H. Hayes)
John H. Bradley ... Himself (as PM 3/c John H. Bradley)
Conrad Binyon ... Marine (uncredited)
David Clarke ... Wounded Marine (uncredited)
Fred Datig Jr. ... Marine (uncredited)
Bruce Edwards ... Marine (uncredited)
Dorothy Ford ... Tall Girl (uncredited)
Carole Gallagher ... USO Woman (uncredited)
Fred Graham ... Officer (uncredited)
Don Haggerty ... Colonel in Staff Car (uncredited)
Gil Herman ... Lt. Baker (uncredited)
William Hudson ... Marine (uncredited)
I. Stanford Jolley ... Forrestal (uncredited)
Dickie Jones ... Scared Marine (uncredited)
Billy Lechner ... Marine (uncredited)
Mickey McCardle ... Marine (uncredited)
Roger McGee ... Sailor (uncredited)
Al Murphy ... Bartender (uncredited)
Frank O'Connor ... Waiter in Bar (uncredited)
Judy Sochor ... USO Woman (uncredited)
Glen Vernon ... Marine (uncredited)
Steve Wayne ... Marine (uncredited)
Dick Wessel ... Grenade Instructor (uncredited)
John Whitney ... Lt. Thompson (uncredited)
Joy Windsor ... USO Woman (uncredited)

Writing Credits
James Edward Grant (screenplay) and
Harry Brown (screenplay)

Produced
Edmund Grainger .... associate producer

Original Music
Victor Young

Cinematography
Reggie Lanning (director of photography)

Stunts
Fred Graham .... stunt double (uncredited)
Don Nagel .... stunts (uncredited)
Terry Wilson .... stunt double (uncredited)

Trivia
In one scene, combat veteran Sgt. Stryker (John Wayne) instructs bumbling recruit Pvt. Choynski (Hal Baylor) on the correct way to march and hold a rifle. In real life Baylor was an ex-Marine who fought in the battles of Saipan and Tinian in WW II; Wayne had never served in the military.

This film recreates the famous Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima scene as known famously from an historic photograph which was taken on the 23rd February, 1945, by Joe Rosenthal. The three surviving flag raisers make a cameo appearance during this scene in the film. These three men who were part of the flag raising (made famous by the photograph Joe Rosenthal had taken) and survived the battle for Iwo Jima, appear in this scene only. Rene A. Gagnon, Ira H. Hayes and John H. Bradley are seen with with John Wayne as he instructs them to hoist the flag (Wayne gives the folded flag to Gagnon). The flag used to recreate the incident is the actual flag that was raised on Mount Suribachi on February 23, 1945. It was loaned to the movie by the US Marine Corps Museum in Quantico, Virginia. (Other films which would later depict the flag-raising on Iwo Jima include The Outsider (1961) and Flags of Our Fathers (2006).)

Following the success of the movie, John Wayne was invited to place his footprints in cement outside Grauman's Chinese Theater. As part of the event, actual black sand from Iwo Jima was flown to Hollywood and mixed into the cement in which The Duke left his footprints and "fist print".

Kirk Douglas was originally cast as Sergeant Stryker.

John Wayne almost turned the film down at first, since at 42 he was rather old for the part and because he felt the American public had had enough of war films.

According to the book New Zealand Film by Helen Martin and Sam Edwards, "During the early sections of the film, the R&R camp at Paekakariki in the lower half of the North Island [of New Zealand] was the setting for the meeting and bonding sequences prior to departing for battle. The same camp is the focus of the reminiscences of one of the women who contributed to Gaylene Preston's documentary War Stories [See: War Stories (1995)].

Apparently, this movie has the first ever recorded use of the phrase "lock and load", said by John Wayne. "Lock and load" is a military command meaning to apply a weapon's safety catch, and then load it with ammunition. The expression was used once in this film for this meaning and once as a metaphor to get drunk, as in get loaded.

This movie's credits state the following historical note: "The first American flag was raised on Mount Suribachi by the late Sgt. Ernest I. Thomas, Jr., U.S.M.C. on the morning of February 23, 1945."

Two thousand United States Marines appeared as extras in this movie according to an article in The Los Angeles Daily News.

The New York Times reported that location filming for this movie was shot at Camp Del March; El Toro Marine Air Station, Southern California and at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Southern California.

Many of the battle scenes in this movie were taken from actual combat "footage taken at the actual fighting at Tarawa and Iwo Jima" according to a review in Variety.

Apparently, according to The New York Times, script approval was made by the US Marine Corps.

A number of actual military personnel portrayed themselves in this movie. These included Retired Lieutenant General Holland M. Smith who was the 5th Amphibious Corps Wartime Commander and also acted as a technical advisor to the film; Colonel David M. Shoup USMC who received the Congressional Medal of Honor; Captain Harold G. Schrier USMC who commanded the Marines at the Suribachi slopes; Lieutenant Colonel H.P. Crowe USMC who was a Battalion Commander at Tarawa; Pfc Rene A. Gagnon; Pfc Ira H. Hayes and PM 3/c John H. Bradley.

The New York Times reported on 5 February 1950 that the Republic Pictures Studio once developed a sequel to this movie entitled Devil Birds also to again star John Wayne but alas the sequel did not eventuate.

A made-for-television documentary about the making of this movie was made forty-four years after this movie was made, entitled The Making of 'Sands of Iwo Jima' (1993) (V). It featured interviews with still living cast members.

The title "Sands of Iwo Jima" was once seen by this movie's producer Edmund Grainger in a newspaper story. Alas, Grainger thought of the famous American flag raising at Mount Suribachi. He then went off and wrote a treatment with this title and an ending being the famous flag raising scene. Grainger wished the movie would be successful at the box-office as well as accurate representation of the US Marine Corps' valour on celluloid. He also wanted the movie to have an influence on the public's attitude towards the US Marines as at the time the Marines were in fight for survival and needed more financing.

Special effects work on this movie included lampblack and oil covered sand to look like the volcanic ash of a Pacific island as well as gun emplacements, palm trees, and pillboxes all made of plaster.

Due to the assistance of the US Marines, producer Edmund Grainger and director Allan Dwan were able to keep the production budget for this movie to around the US $1 million mark.

This movie utilized actual original black-and-white newsreel footage. This material is edited into this movie's combat scenes.

John Wayne received his first ever Academy Award nomination for this movie. He wouldn't be nominated for an Acting Oscar again until twenty years later for True Grit (1969) where he would win the Best Actor Oscar. Wayne did receive a producer's Best Picture nomination for The Alamo (1960) in between these two films.

Thousands of feet of barbed wire were used in the making of this movie.

A colorized version of this movie has been made.

Mostly unnoticed is the homage this film pays to a real Marine, "Manila" John Basilone. Basilone was a Sergeant and hero on Guadacanal, winning the Medal of Honor. He was sent home for war bond drives but requested to be returned to combat. He did so and died on Iwo Jima. There is a famous (to history buffs, anyway)photo of his body on Iwo Jima, face down and with his name visible, that is almost exactly the same pose that Wayne is in at his death on film. Also, "Jonathan M" Stryker has more than a passing resemblance to "Manila (or M) John".

Goofs
* Continuity: After Sgt. Stryker dances with Choynski, he stands a little way from Choynski. The next shot shows them both side by side.

* Factual errors: The first battle the movie's unit participates in is Tarawa. Tarawa was assaulted by the 2nd Marine Division. The same unit is then engaged in the Iwo Jima campaign. Iwo Jima was invaded by the 3rd, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions. It's very unlikely that Stryker's whole squad would have been transferred to another division. Furthermore, earlier in the film Stryker refers to his involvement in the Guadalcanal assault. That was a 1st Marine Division show. Though not impossible, it's highly unlikely for a junior NCO to have served with three different divisions in the Pacific.

* Factual errors: When Pfc. Thomas (Forrest Tucker) goes for more ammo and stops for coffee, the coffee is being brewed in a helmet over an open fire. He hands over his metal cup, and the fellow by the fire holds it in his bare hand as he fills it from the helmet. Ouch. Anyone who has been camping will see the error here.

* Revealing mistakes: When the Marines are moving up the mountain along a path, a Japanese soldier pops out of hiding and appears to shoot one of the Marines in the stomach at point blank range. One can see that the enemy soldier actor shot just beyond the Marine actor because a puff of smoke from the gun barrel emits out past the Marine actor's back. This was probably a safety requirement in the making of the movie, since blanks fired out of a weapon can seriously injure or kill.

* Continuity: The way Stryker holds the rifle when he tells Conway that he checked the records.

* Continuity: Conway's hands change position while with Allison at the end of their first meeting.

* Continuity: Mary's hands change position when Stryker buys her the drink.

* Continuity: The way Mary holds the whiskey bottle changes.

* Continuity: The way Stryker holds the sawbuck changes.

* Revealing mistakes: Two errors are visible when Stryker is attacked by the Jap: Stryker's positioning and arm movement is not consistent, and the Jap is hit by the handle of the entrenching tool before Conway throws it.

* Errors in geography: In the training scenes, set in New Zealand, a row of Eucalyptus trees is seen. These are native to Australia and are not found in New Zealand. (There have been groves of them planted in California though.)

* Audio/visual unsynchronized: SPOILER: Sgt. Stryker is shot dead, and is lying on his back in the master. Then they cut to a reverse angle, revealing the corpse face down.

Memorable Quotes (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041841/quotes)

Filming Locations
CBS Studio Center - 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, Los Angeles, California, USA
Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base, Oceanside, California, USA
Janss Conejo Ranch, Thousand Oaks, California, USA
Leo Carrillo State Beach - 35000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, California, USA
Santa Catalina Island, Channel Islands, California, USA

Watch the Trailer:-

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTk0NTk2NjU3OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTI4Mzc2MQ@@._ V1._SX200_SY150_BO200,0,0,0_PIimdb-blackband-204-28,BottomLeft,194,-199_PIimdb-bluebutton-big,BottomLeft,366,-201_CR194,200,200,150_ZATrailer,4,121,19,200,verde nab,8,255,255,255,1_ZASands%20of%20Iwo%20Jima,4,13 6,19,200,arialbd,7,255,255,255,1_ZA01:50,164,1,14, 40,verdenab,7,255,255,255,1_FMpng_.png (http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi276889881/)

Sands of Iwo Jima (http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi276889881/)
__________________________________________________ ______________________________
Truly one of Dukes finest, and his role as Sergeant John M. Stryker,
one of his greatest acting roles.
So good, that he was nominated for an Academy Award,
narrowly missing out to Broderick Crawford.
The Director said, that no one else could have played Sryker,
better than Duke.
The famous flag raising, was recreated with the Marines who had
actually lifted the colours on Iwo Jima.
The film however, did win Academy Awards for,
Motion Picture Story, Editing and Sound.
Duke had his footprints placed at Grauman's Chinese Theatre,
for the films opening,the sand used for the event, was literally from Iwo Jima!!
The film score was by Victor Young
Rating 10/10

Originally posted by ethanedwards@Dec 6 2005, 12:38 PM
Hi Everyone,
Vera, mentioned there is no, thread relating to SANDS OF IWO JIMA
So I thought, it would be good, to start one!!Just for you Vera!!!!
Although it will feature eventually in MOVIE REVIEW OF THE WEEK
It will be a long, long time, before it's reviewed!!

SANDS OF IWO JIMA

[i]Starring:- John Wayne, John Agar,Adele Mara, Forrest Tucker,Wally Cassell,etc, etc.

REPUBLIC PICTURES. 1949

Associate Producer;-Edmund Grainger*
Directed By Allan Dwan

Truly one of Dukes finest, and his role as Sergeant John M. Stryker,
one of his greatest acting roles.
So good, that he was nominated for an Academy Award,
narrowly missing out to Broderick Crawford.
The film however, did win Academy Awards for,
Motion Picture Story, Editing and Sound.
Duke had his footprints placed at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, for the films opening,the sand used for the event, was literally from Iwo Jima!!
The film score was by Victor Young

Your comments and reviews, are welcome,
Best Wishes,
Keith
23569


I love this Movie. :jump: Iwo and The Alamo are my two favs. When ever I'm feeling depressed or the like, I can pop this into the VCR and I it will help to pick me up.
Plus as an Orthodox Jew I always get a kick out of Duke saying Amen to the dying solider saying Shema. (That is actually not the right response, but his heart was in the right place.)

I just had to jump in here and mention that it's one of our favorite movies, too, and our repro movie poster (framed) of Sands of Iwo Jima is hanging over our computer desk, for us to reflect upon every now and then.

Chester :newyear:

Hi Keith,
Thank you so much for starting this thread. I've got The Sands of Iwo Jima not far ago, but it became one of my favorites. The film itself is very good but Dukes work in it is exellent. He deserved the Academy Award and it is a pity that he didn't receive it.
I don't know much about operations of USA troops in that part of the world and can't say: is the movie historic accurate or not, but belive that it is so.
It is really great how war is shown in the movie. I had the impression that some documentary was used in the movie. Is it so? I never forget the scene were squard first came to action at the shore. It was real impression of the whole mess, many soldiers, that are not used to that situation died. And Stryker liting his cigarette with such impression in his eyes.
What I like in black and white movies is close ups, when you see the impression in the eyes. For example when he promises to shot Agar if he will go to find the wounded soldgie.
And one of my favorite scenes with the baby and the woman.
It is a pity that Stryker dies in the film. It was not fear.
Regards,
Vera

By sheer coincidence, my grandson ws asking about Iwo Jima this morning (inspired by the poster over the computer). I did a quick Google search, and one of the links led me HERE (http://www.iwojima.com/movies/index.htm). I learned a little piece of trivia - when John Wayne did his prints at Graumann's Chinese Theatre, the cement had black sand from Iwo Jima (scroll down a little on the page to see the picture).

Anyway, just wanted to share that.

The original web site, BTW, is Iwo Jima (http://www.iwojima.com/).

Have a great day!

Mrs. C :angel1:

Originally posted by chester7777@Dec 7 2005, 06:34 PM
By sheer coincidence, my grandson ws asking about Iwo Jima this morning (inspired by the poster over the computer).* I did a quick Google search, and one of the links led me HERE (http://www.iwojima.com/movies/index.htm).* I learned a little piece of trivia - when John Wayne did his prints at Graumann's Chinese Theatre, the cement had black sand from Iwo Jima (scroll down a little on the page to see the picture).

Anyway, just wanted to share that.

The original web site, BTW, is Iwo Jima (http://www.iwojima.com/).

Have a great day!

Mrs. C :angel1:
23601


Hi Mrs C.,
thank you very much for the link. My son also was asked me about that battle inspired by computer game.
Regards,
Senta

Hi Keith, here's my little bit on SoIJ.

Before I ever got to see this movie, in my earlier years I had always heard my parents talking about this movie. I do not recall why they always talked about it from time to time but I do recall that it was one of their most favorite John Wayne movies. These discussions took place at least 10 or more years before we got cable TV and unfortunately, this movies was never played on any of the local TV channels. What we always got on the local channels were mostly John Wayne movies from about 1960 on up to the last movies he made.

When I was 15, we got cable TV when it finally came to the city where we lived. I think it was an early Saturday afternoon and was on WTBS (then cable TV channel 7) and I saw it for the first time. I was VERY impressed and was rivited to the screen during the entire movie. I hated the fact that The Duke's character was killed at the end.

From the first time I saw this movie to today, it is one of my all-time favorite war movies. The cast was nothing less than a brilliant choice for their characters and were all believable. IMO, The Duke did a great acting job in this movie and I always thought it was one of his best.

After watching this movie, I went to Guidrey's Hobbies and bought a 1/72 scale model that made a diorama of the Iwo Jima flag-raising as well as I made a small Iwo Jima beach - landing diorama. This is back in the day when I used to build models and paint toy soldiers.

To make this as a short answer: I love this movie.

Take care mate--C.

Originally posted by ethanedwards@Dec 6 2005, 04:38 PM
Hi Everyone,

Duke had his footprints placed at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, for the films opening,the sand used for the event, was literally from Iwo Jima!!

23569


This is from my starting post,

Keith

I loved this movie, superb acting by the Duke and, John Agar. Another role where the Duke should have been picked for best actor,although that coming 20years later. All around perfect movie, with the hero, Stryker dieing a hero in the end.

an easy 10/10 from me, it reminds me to watch this again soon.

-IHW

Originally posted by ethanedwards@Dec 7 2005, 10:23 AM
This is from my starting post,

Keith
23609


By Jove, my friend, there it is . . . I thought I read your whole post, but I guess I missed that little piece . . . :rolleyes: . . . what can I say . . . ?

Mrs. C :angel1:

Hi all,
Stryker is a great hero of this movie and it is really hard to belive that his wife had left him and his son didn't write him. I guess what was the reason of that?
May be you will think - the question is silly. But I take this movie not only as a story of historic deeds, but personally too.
Regards,
Senta

Hi Vera,
I can't remember Stryker saying why his wife left him,
maybe another member may have spotted something.
Hi did have an unfinished letter to his son, when he got shot.
We can only assume therefore, that she did not support
his single minded, militiary career, and the son followed his mother,
Well, I guess that's what happens in real life????,
or is it ??

Keith

Hi

I think the reason Stryker's wife left him was explained in the conversation Wayne had with John Agar when he attempts to tell him how great a man Agars father a high ranking Marine officer) was. Agar if i recall cuts him short, saying how much he hated his father and implies that his father and Stryker were alike, the Corps first last and foremost and nothing, not even family would be allowed to get in the way.

Regards

Arthur

Hi

I forgot I also meant to mention the book Flags of Our Fathers by John Barclay's son. It covers the flag raising on Mount Suribachi very well.

I bought it when we were last in Orlando.

Regards

Arthur

Originally posted by arthurarnell@Dec 8 2005, 02:23 PM
Hi

I forgot I also meant to mention the book Flags of Our Fathers by John Barclay's son. It covers the flag raising on Mount Suribachi very well.

I bought it when we were last in Orlando.

Regards

Arthur
23657


I've read the book Flags Of Our Fathers by James Bradley, son of one of the flag raisers, John Bradley. If you haven't read it, do so, very good , very moving and, will affect you in many ways. It's being made into a movie and is currently being filmed. Stephen Speilberg is producing and Clint Eastwood is directing and last I heard, it'll be out late next summer. You can check more on it at www.flagsofourfathers.net or www.the-pacific-war.com

Originally posted by Senta@Dec 7 2005, 03:02 AM

I don't know much about operations of USA troops in that part of the world and can't say: is the movie historic accurate or not, but belive that it is so.
It is really great how war is shown in the movie. I had the impression that some documentary was used in the movie. Is it so?
23588

The combate footage in Sand of Iwo Jima is from a USMC documentary TO THE SHORES OF IWO JIMA. This includes to Actuell footage of the Famus Flag rasing of Mt. Surabachi. It is well worth seeking out.

Semper Fi

Interesting post ZACK613,
and thanks for the information,
it's good to know where
these actual newsreels come from,

Keith

Hi Keith, Arthur and Zack,
Thank you for your comments and information, expecially about books it is very interesting.

I well remember Stryker's letter to his son, it was very moving, and he blames himself for many faults. Agar changed his mind at last about his father, Stryker and Marine in the whole (he even says Saddle Up, how used Stryker said). But Stryker son was only 10 years old! Or he was at that age when mother take him away. It is explained in the film that she left him, because he wasn't family man and was devoted to the army. But I always thought that wifes had to share their husbands interests and thoughts and go to the same distanation were their husbands serve.
Regards,
Vera

Originally posted by Senta@Dec 8 2005, 08:52 PM
...... It is explained in the film that she left him, because he wasn't family man and was devoted to the army. But I always thought that wifes had to share their husbands interests and thoughts and go to the same distanation were their husbands serve.

23673


Hi Vera,
Yours is a noble and admirable explanation,
Hopefully in your country this may be the case.
However, I am sure all over the World, many men and women,
persue their chosen careers, with scant regard for their partners, needs and wishes,

Keith

Originally posted by ethanedwards@Dec 8 2005, 11:59 PM
Hopefully in your country this may be the case.
23674

Hi keith,
It is not the case of my country. In the Bible it is written the same.
Regards,
Vera

Hi,

This film was reviewed as a special review, not long back,
so to bring it line with our current review strategy,
I'll post the full scenerio.

SANDS OF IWO JIMA

PHOTO (http://www.americanrhetoric.com/images/sandofiwojima3.JPG)

INFORMATION BY IMDb IMDbPro.com

Plot Summary

After his wife takes their son and leaves him, Sgt. John Stryker is an embittered man who takes his misery out on the men under his command. They're a bunch of green recruits who have a hard time dealing with Stryker's tough drills and thicker skin. Even his old friends start to wonder if he's gone from being the epitome of the tough Marine drill instructor to a man over the edge.

Full Cast

James Edward Grant (screenplay) and
Harry Brown (screenplay)

Cast (in credits order) verified as complete
John Wayne .... Sgt. John M. Stryker
John Agar .... Pfc. Peter Conway
Adele Mara .... Allison Bromley
Forrest Tucker .... Pfc. Al Thomas
Wally Cassell .... Pfc. Benny Regazzi
James Brown .... Pfc. Charlie Bass
Richard Webb .... Pfc. Dan Shipley
Arthur Franz .... Cpl. Robert Dunne/Narrator
Julie Bishop .... Mary
James Holden .... Pfc. Soames
Peter Coe .... Pfc. George Hellenpolis
Richard Jaeckel .... Pfc. Frank Flynn
William Murphy .... Pfc. Eddie Flynn (as Bill Murphy)
George Tyne .... Pfc. Harris
Hal Baylor .... Pvt. 'Sky' Choynski (as Hal Fieberling)
John McGuire .... Capt. Joyce
Martin Milner .... Pvt. Mike McHugh
Leonard Gumley .... Pvt. Sid Stein
William Self .... Pvt. L.D. Fowler Jr.
David M. Shoup .... Himself (as Col. D.M. Shoup, U.S.M.C.)
H.P. Crowe .... Himself (as Lt. Col. H.P. Crowe, U.S.M.C.)
Harold G. Schrier .... Himself (as Capt. Harold G. Schrier, U.S.M.C.)
Rene A. Gagnon .... Himself (as Pfc. Rene A. Gagnon)
Ira H. Hayes .... Himself (as Pfc. Ira H. Hayes)
John H. Bradley .... Himself (as PM 3/c John H. Bradley)
rest of cast listed alphabetically:
David Clarke .... Wounded Marine (uncredited)
Bruce Edwards .... Marine (uncredited)
Dorothy Ford .... Tall girl (uncredited)
Don Haggerty .... Colonel in staff car (uncredited)
Gil Herman .... Lt. Baker (uncredited)
I. Stanford Jolley .... Forrestal (uncredited)
Dickie Jones .... Scared Marine (uncredited)
Dick Wessel .... Grenade instructor (uncredited)
John Whitney .... Lt. Thompson (uncredited)

Stunts

Fred Graham .... stunt double (uncredited)
Don Nagel .... stunts (uncredited)
Terry Wilson .... stunt double (uncredited)

Trivia

INFORMATION FROM IMDb

* In one scene, combat veteran Sgt. Stryker (John Wayne) instructs bumbling recruit Pvt. Choynski (Hal Baylor) on the correct way to march and hold a rifle. In real life Baylor was an ex-Marine who fought in the horrific battles of Saipan and Tinian in WW II; Wayne had never spent a day in the military in his life.

* The three men who were part of the flag raising (made famous by the photograph Joe Rosenthal had taken) and survived the battle for Iwo Jima, were part of the movie with John Wayne. Rene A. Gagnon, Ira H. Hayes and John H. Bradley are seen with Wayne as he instructed them to hoist the flag (Wayne gave the folded flag to Gagnon).

Goofs


INFORMATION FROM IMDb

* Continuity: After Sgt. Stryker dances with Choynski, he stands a little way from Choynski. The next shot shows them both side by side.

* Revealing mistakes: When Pfc. Thomas goes for more ammo and stops for coffee, the coffee is being brewed in a helmet over an open fire. He hands over his metal cup, and the fellow by the fire holds it in his bare hand as he fills it from the helmet.

From The Ringo Kid
One more blooper I noticed in Sands of Iwo Jima was when the Marines were in the Landing Craft and in the one with John Wayne & Co in it on the front inside you see a message in white that says: "It's Too late To Worry Now" and if you notice that in different takes, the same words are there but the phrase is broken up differently.

Originally posted by ethanedwards@Dec 29 2005, 02:16 AM

After his wife takes their son and leaves him, Sgt. John Stryker is an embittered man who takes his misery out on the men under his command. John Agar ....* )
24475


Hi Keith,
I can't agree with that. When he is teaching this green man he is trying his best one way or another and he make from them a great squadron. His personal problems influence his free time, when he drink hard.
Regards,
Vera

Hi Senta

I totally agree with you from the moment Duke is training his men in New Zealand to the time he is preventing them throwing their lives away trying to rescue their wounded colleague, Wayne shows the highest regard for his platoon.

The reviewer wasn't very sure of the plot, or he hadn't seen the film.

Of the survivors of the flag raising ceromony.

After leaving the army Ira Hayes drifted, he was befriended by the actor Iron Eyes Cody but still was unable to settle. Returning to his reservation he began drinking heavilly and on January 24th, 12 days after his 32nd birthday he died from asphixiation having drowned in a pool of water.

Rene Gagnon also struggled to come to terms and after working as a janitor on 12th October he died from a heart attack a disillusioned man.

John H Bradley died 11 January aged 71 his son wrote the book Flags of Our Fathers detail the flag raising ceremony.

Regards

Arthur

Hi Arthur,
Thank you for the comment and very interesting information. It is sad things about flag raisers. Not only Stryker had to fight his personal problems.
Regards,
Senta

Hi Vera,
Arthur is quite right to point out that this is the
reviewers, point of view.!
I actually believe, that Styker was a
compassionate man, and cared about
the welfare of his men.
He was hard on them
so that they were,aware, sharp,
and focussed, in battle.

More Goofs for the film,

Here are a couple itdo posted in the Bloopers thread,

Factual error: During the scene where Stryker is fighting with Forrest Tucker, an officers staff car pulls up. The car appears to be a 1946 or later Dodge or Plymouth, which was not yet manufactured.

And another thing about Iwo Jima: Wayne gets killed, he lies on his back. Then comes the shot of Forrest Tucker, looking down at him. Tuckers POV: Stryker is now lying on his belly. Somebody must've turned him over, right? (probably the guys from the FIRST flagraising on Surabachi, if you know what I mean :) )

Originally posted by arthurarnell@Dec 29 2005, 10:21 AM
Hi Senta

I totally agree with you from the moment Duke is training his men in New Zealand to the time he is preventing them throwing their lives away trying to rescue their wounded colleague, Wayne shows the highest regard for his platoon.

The reviewer wasn't very sure of the plot, or he hadn't seen the film.

Of the survivors of the flag raising ceromony.

After leaving the army Ira Hayes drifted, he was befriended by the actor Iron Eyes Cody but still was unable to settle. Returning to his reservation he began drinking heavilly and on January 24th,* 12 days after his 32nd birthday he died from asphixiation having drowned in a pool of water.

Rene Gagnon also struggled to come to terms and after working as a janitor on 12th October he died from a heart attack a disillusioned man.

John H Bradley died 11 January aged 71 his son wrote the book Flags of Our Fathers detail the flag raising ceremony.

Regards

Arthur
24574


I read Bradleys book and it was one of the best books I've ever read. It will affect you like no other. About Ira Hayes, most of his problems stemmed from the fact that he could never get over the loss of so many friends on Iwo and the fact that he lived and became famous because of the flag raising. When he and the others were brought home to go on a war bond tour, he didn't like it. He thought he was undeserving of being hailed a hero when he had friends buried on the island. He eventually begged to be let off the our and go back to active duty. I think he was wishing that he would also die so the pain of loss and sorrow would be taken off him.
Gagnon, on the other hand, loved the fame it brought him and always thought that he deserved more and a better way of life because of that one moment in time. He never achieved it. Like you said, he ended up a janitor when he wished for status and fame.
Bradley is probably the only one who put it all into perspective. He never talked about his part in the flag raising or even his heroism on Iwo Jima. He kept it all to himself, even his nightmares. Whenever his wife, kids or, friends asked about Iwo, all he would say, "it was a job I had to do along with alot of other guys a long time ago". If you haven't read the book, do so, it's absolutely fantastic and with Eastwood directing the film version, it should be a big hit.

P.S. I you want to see a photo of the flag raising scene from the movie, go to http://www.flagsofourfathers.net and click on the photo bar and you'll see it. It looks so much like the real thing it's uncanny. Eastwood has it down to a T.

Memorable Quotes

Officer giving the preinvasion briefing: Now, nobody knows exactly what they've got on this island,
but they've had forty years to put it there

Pfc. Al Thomas: That's war.
Pfc. Charlie Bass: What's war?
Pfc. Al Thomas: Trading real estate for men.

[During live fire training a Marine recruit accidently lets a grenade slip out of his hand
and it rolls toward an unsuspecting platoon waiting their turn]
Sgt. Stryker: Grenade. Hit the deck.
[The platoon runs, except for Conway, who is reading a love letter
and has to be tackled to safety by Stryker when the grenade goes off]
Sgt. Stryker: You idiot. When are you gonna wake up? You wanna see that dame again, keep your mind on your work.
Al Thomas: You may not know this, boy, but you just got your life saved.

Sergeant Stryker: SADDLE UP.

INFORMATION FROM IMDb

Originally posted by WaynamoJim@Jan 2 2006, 08:00 PM
I read Bradleys book and it was one of the best books I've ever read. It will affect you like no other. About Ira Hayes, most of his problems stemmed from the fact that he could never get over the loss of so many friends on Iwo and the fact that he lived and became famous because of the flag raising. When he and the others were brought home to go on a war bond tour, he didn't like it. He thought he was undeserving of being hailed a hero when he had friends buried on the island. He eventually begged to be let off the our and go back to active duty. I think he was wishing that he would also die so the pain of loss and sorrow would be taken off him.
Gagnon, on the other hand, loved the fame it brought him and always thought that he deserved more and a better way of life because of that one moment in time. He never achieved it. Like you said, he ended up a janitor when he wished for status and fame.
Bradley is probably the only one who put it all into perspective. He never talked about his part in the flag raising or even his heroism on Iwo Jima. He kept it all to himself, even his nightmares. Whenever his wife, kids or, friends asked about Iwo, all he would say, "it was a job I had to do along with alot of other guys a long time ago". If you haven't read the book, do so, it's absolutely fantastic and with Eastwood directing the film version, it should be a big hit.

P.S. I you want to see a photo of the flag raising scene from the movie, go to http://www.flagsofourfathers.net and click on the photo bar and you'll see it. It* looks so much like the real thing it's uncanny. Eastwood has it down to a T.
24829


Another good book about some of the pilots that flew missions around the time of Iwo Jima that was written by Bradley is "Flyboys". It also has a nice side story about a pilot named George H. W. Bush.

Deep Discount DVD (http://search.deepdiscountdvd.com/search?p=Q&ts=custom&w=sands+of+iwo+jima&search.x=0&search.y=0) has several options (individually and part of a two pack), as well as four posters (the fourth one down is the one that hangs over our computer :D ).

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=sands+of+iwo+jima&x=0&y=0) offers it in both DVD and VHS.

Chester :newyear:

Originally posted by chester7777@Feb 12 2006, 02:18 AM
Deep Discount DVD (http://search.deepdiscountdvd.com/search?p=Q&ts=custom&w=sands+of+iwo+jima&search.x=0&search.y=0) has several options (individually and part of a two pack), as well as four posters (the fourth one down is the one that hangs over our computer :D ).

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=br_ss_hs/002-3581901-1689624?search-alias=aps&keywords=sands%20of%20iwo%20jima) offers it in both DVD and VHS.

Chester :newyear:
27042


This movie was on yesterday. I don't own it yet but it will definitely be included in the next group of Duke adventures I order. What stands out in my mind is the sound quality of the machine gun fire. It is excellent. Next time you watch this one, be sure and turn the sound way up.

I watched Iwo in honor of Duke's Birthday on friday. It just gets better with every viewing

Hi

I know Kieth used the DVD cover in his introduction but its still a good photo in its own right'

Regards

Arthur

Hi

One of the supporting actors in Sands Arthur Franz who played Richard Dunne and the Narrator. Never a star but a good actor he deserves his place in the sun

Regards

Arthur

This is my favorite John Wayne war film, in it he showed that he could indeed be an actor of great talent outside of John Ford. His death scene touched me and brought tears to my eyes, as it happened so suddenly and with out warning.

With permission, I share with you Clive Woollands' Film Facts for this fine film ~

Its that time again friends for another film fact. This time it is for the classic war film, Sands of Iwo Jima.

Producer: Edmund Grainger, Screenplay: Harry Brown, James Edward
Grant, Cinematographer: Reggie Lanning, Art Director: James Sullivan,
Editor: Richard L Van Enger, Distribution: Republic Pictures,
Location: California, Cost of Production: $1 million, Box office
takings (US): $3.9 million, Date of production: 1949.

Harry Brown won an Oscar for his screenplay for war film A Walk in the Sun (1945). He'd written for John Wayne once before, Wake of the Red Witch (1948). He went on to write the screenplay for the original version of Ocean 11 (1960).

Richard Jaeckel, who played Private Frank Flynn, went on to star in another classic war movie. He was Sergeant Bowren in The Dirty Dozen (1967).

Despite rating him as one of the four best directors he ever worked with, John Wayne never made another film with director Allen Dwan. Dwan continued directing until the early 1960's. He died on 30th December 1981 at the age of 96.

It would have been interesting to see Allan Dwan direct John Wayne in another film.
I guess the story of Sands of Iwo Jima is pretty special but another film would have confirmed whether they worked as a team.

Forrest Tucker, Richard Jaeckel and John Agar all starred with Duke again in Chisum.

John Agar's part as the storekeeper is a blink and you miss him part like Big Jake.


Mike

Hi everyone

My appologies if these fact many JWMB members already know.
but,please let me write my personal surprise.
Inspired by Clint Eastwood's movie Flags of Our Fathers,I read the book
original by James Bradley.
In this novel,I found the fact why Duke's footprints at the Grauman's Chinese Thetre
were made by black sands(cement).
ofcourse, Duke's requests, for the memory of Sands Of Iwo Jima.
Duke is nice guy.

Many Japanese/American brave soldiers died at the battle field of Iwo Jima,
My father's friend died at there ,so did Americans.

That happened over 60 years ago, We must tell JW story to next generations,i think.

Best regards,
sanada

Thanks H.sanada

I didnt know that about the footprints at the Grauman's Chinese Theatre


Best

Mike

Hi H.sanada ,

Thanks for your post and reminding us about the sand,
it was mentioned on the very opening post to this thread,
but, it's a long time ago, since that was posted

Did anyone see this film on AMC Monday (Labor Day)? I didn't see the whole thing, but the portion of the movie I saw was edited in a stupid way. It was the part when the troops discover JW drunk outside the bar, they said something like, "Let him fend for himself" and then right after that the shore patrol were coming up the street and the troops actually helped cover for him while the shore patrol went by, but they cut that part out of the film. Makes me wonder what else got cut. Hopefully, they left in the part near the end where they raised the flag on top of Mt. Suribachi. :glare:

Chester :newyear:

Hi Jim/.Sue, I saw it that day and too noticed that AMC butchered this movie. For some stupid reason, the "editors-that-be" @ AMC, seem to not be able to have better timing when they go to commercials. When they premiered The Dirty Dozen a few months ago, they butchered this film so badly that I could not enjoy it at all. :glare: I sure wish they would hire someone who knows what the heck they are doing.

All in all, I have probably seen this movie at least 30 times. :shades_smile:

Hi Jim/.Sue, I saw it that day and too noticed that AMC butchered this movie. For some stupid reason, the "editors-that-be" @ AMC, seem to not be able to have better timing when they go to commercials. When they premiered The Dirty Dozen a few months ago, they butchered this film so badly that I could not enjoy it at all. :glare: I sure wish they would hire someone who knows what the heck they are doing.

All in all, I have probably seen this movie at least 30 times. :shades_smile:

The day AMC "snipped" bits and pieces out of the fight scene from The Quiet Man so they could fit in more commercials, I swore I'd never watch that channel again. I haven't.

Great movie, but of course one of the few in which Duke dies :cry2:.

I have this poster (it is a reproduction and framed), although the picture below is from Les Adams -

2090

This 1954 reissue poster is the same, but with a higher level of color -

2091

Have to get round to watching Letter from Iwo Jima. Have to admit the first time I watched Sands of Iwo Jima I wasnt overally impressed but with each viewing it has raised my opinion of it. One of JW's best performances.


Mike

. Have to admit the first time I watched Sands of Iwo Jima I wasnt overally impressed but with each viewing it has raised my opinion of it. One of JW's best performances.Mike

Mike,
I've found that to be true, also, as I've watched John Wayne movies, quite often, I like them more and more, as I watch again and again. :teeth_smile:

Chester :newyear:

Chester

I found Sands of Iwo Jima works on two levels for me. The human story plus as a war movie. It's great strength is you do care about what happens to the characters in the movie. As you say each viewing quite often brings something new that was not noticed before.

Mike

I must admit I wasn't overly impressed by Sands. Yopu would expect it to have dated after all these years, but while Wayne gave a good performance I found the story rather cliched. In some ways I prefered Operation Pacific which at least had Ward Bond.

Funny, Operation Pacific is one that I am not fussed on. As they say different tastes for different people.

Mike

The worst one of the trilogy was Flying Leathernecks. A shame, because it had the great Robert Ryan.

Funny I like that one. There you go!!:shades_smile:

It should have been in black & white because the colour made the archive footage too obvious. It's hard to take the film seriously at all. My grandfather told me he never saw a pilot over the age of thirty through six years of war, yet Wayne and Ryan were in their forties.

... yet Wayne and Ryan were in their forties.

:glare: Everyone knows that John Wayne was forever 39...

My grandfather told me he never saw a pilot over the age of thirty through six years of war, yet Wayne and Ryan were in their forties.

Cole,
Was that in the European theater or in the Pacific. I think the Pacific had older pilots.

Also, I think folks from the US are a little more forgiving of the films technical
problems, as this film commemorates the bloodiest battle Americans fought
during WW-2.

The flag raising scenes at the end, bring a tear to many an American's eye.

Chester :newyear:

My grandfather served with the RAF from 1939 to 1945, he lied about his age so he could join on the first day of war.

Wayne was about 43/44 in Flying Leathernecks so I doubt there were pilots that old. As you get older your reflexes slow.

When Michael Caine made The Battle of Britain he asked if he was too young at 36 to play a squadron leader and they told him he was actually too old, because most of them were 24.

I can relate to the comment about reflexes slowing as you get older. I hated it when JW gets shot just when it seems that he is past the worst of it. As far as the war in the Pacific I wonder if more could not have been done to avoid it by both sides. What a line War is trading lives for real estate.

Is this film really that good? I pick it every time i go into the supermarket,read the back of the box but i can't make up my mind so i always put it back.Any input/advice would be most welcome thanks luckynedpepper

Well, if you read this thread, you will find most Duke fans,
rate this film highly.
Duke was nominated for an Acedemy Award,
so it can't have been too bad!!

Is this film really that good? I pick it every time i go into the supermarket,read the back of the box but i can't make up my mind so i always put it back.Any input/advice would be most welcome thanks luckynedpepper
I think it is one of the best Duke made and must see for any JW fun.
Regards,
Senta

Thanks Ethan + Senta i'll get it next time i see it somewhere cheers luckynedpepper

Deep Discount DVD (http://search.deepdiscountdvd.com/search?p=Q&ts=custom&w=sands+of+iwo+jima&search.x=0&search.y=0) has several options (individually and part of a two pack), as well as four posters (the fourth one down is the one that hangs over our computer :D ).

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=sands+of+iwo+jima&x=0&y=0) offers it in both DVD and VHS.

Chester :newyear:
luckynedpepper,

You absolutely should own this movie. Check the prices at Deep Discount and Amazon, and compare to the prices you are seeing in the stores. It's highly affordable, and should be a part of any John Wayne fan's collection. As you probably already know, it is one of the few films in which his character dies.

If you haven't already read this thread from the beginning, it is a great discussion that touches on many things. Reading it makes me want to break out the movie and watch it again . . . but I do have some work I have to get to :headbonk: . . . (getting ready to sign off soon) . . . maybe tonight . . .

Chester :newyear:

Thanks Chester,i'm going to get it after i come back from my holiday. Is Deep Discount an american store as i havent heard of that one before ?
thanks luckynedpepper

Is Deep Discount an american store . . . ?
thanks luckynedpepper
Ned,

You know, it is. I forgot you are in the UK (sorry 'bout that :yeaahh:). DukePilgrim, ethanedwards, arthurarnell, and Robbie can probably direct you to good sources in your area. I don't know how the AmazonUK prices compare to the US version.

Chester :newyear:

Here is a link
to

Amazon-UK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_d_h_/026-4579143-0234824?url=search-alias%3Ddvd&field-keywords=sands+of+iwo+jima&x=21&y=11)

Where you will see Sands Of Iwo Jima,

available from very low prices

Keith + Chester,thanks for the information ( spot on as usual )

IMO one of the best (or the best ?) War Movie with John Wayne. Probably it's one of his best role during his career. He was nominated for the Academy Award but IMO he should have got the little golden Statue for his performance. Sands of Iwo Jima was nominated in four categories and didn't won any. :glare:

I also thought that the footage scenes taken from the real battle are perfectly included. I was also curious because I watched the two Clint Eastwood Movies: Flags from our fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima. Both are really good but Sands Of Iwo Jima itself is a strong movie.

I enjoy Sands of Iwo Jima a lot. On the whole, I'd give it an 8 or 9 out of 10. I hesitate to give it a 10 because some of the supporting actors' performances really bother me, but Duke was tremendous. I'm glad the Academy acknowledged this performance with a nomination, because I think it was his best role and performance to this point. I can't get too upset that he didn't win the Best Actor though, because I never saw Broderick Crawford in All The King's Men to judge it against. Still, Sands is one of my favorite John Wayne movies. Like many, I love the scene where he goes home with the woman who has the baby. I feel that, more than any other, that scene helped him get nominated.

Today I watched a colourized German version of the movie. It looked fine in full color, but they had cut away the scenes with the prostitute and her baby. These scenes, I feel, are very important for the character of Stryker! - So the next time I will watch the uncut black and white version again!

I liked this war movie because of the background of the characters. It´s not only a war movie, it´s a great personal drama too. But my favourite John Wayne war movie still ist They were Expendable.

Today I watched a colourized German version of the movie. It looked fine in full color,
I liked this war movie because of the background of the characters. It´s not only a war movie, it´s a great personal drama too. But my favourite John Wayne war movie still ist They were Expendable.
A man after my own heart! They Were Expendable is also my favorite JW war movie.

Last night, for my birthday, we watched a Republic colorized version of Sands of Iwo Jima. It was on an older VHS tape that we have . . . I discovered that I don't have it on DVD. Plus, I'm not sure if you can get it on DVD in a colorized version. I'll have to do a little research. I have known several people over the years that had been in the initial assault on Iwo Jima. Generally, they are one of three or four out of over a hundred in their company who survived, usually with bullet wounds.

Many people of today have no concept of what sacrifices were made at Iwo Jima and elsewhere during WWII.

Chester :newyear:

No the colorized version is not available on DVD. At least not in region one. If you want a colorized version on DVD copy the VHS to DVD.

Hello everyone....I watched this movie today and really liked it....it's going to be on my favourites list !!

Especially interesting for me is when they are about to go into combat as a unit for the first time...and they are looking and discussing Tarawa Atoll, or "pork chop '' island as I think I heard it called !! As it is a place I have visited and they mention Betio too, which you pronounce Bay- she- o , if I remember rightly.... I also saw the massive Japanese Guns on the island and some remains of Bunkers.....

Though I wasn't expecting John Wayne to be shot and killed.... I'm never a hundred percent happy when it happens...guess I like my Hero to be alive and kicking at the end of the day !!!

Part of the "Sands of Iwo Jima" were filmed right in Newport Beach. I took a tour there and they pointed out the place, its all house now and not a very big area.

The Pacific starts tonight on HBO, ends on Iwo Jima

This has to be my favorite John Wayne war movie. When I started to collect my VHS John Wayne movies in the early 90's, this was the second movie I received and fell in love with this movie. It shows a tough, mean, and hard man, who really cared for his unit and the men. He had a tough life with his family and he had problems but it didn't interfere with his job.

This movie is a tribute to the US Marines, and it shows us what it means to care for your country and the people.

Cheers :cool:

really enjoyed this war film.the second best war film jw made.his best is they were expendable and my favourite.john agar and forrest tucker are good in iwo jima

Even though I was US Navy, and loved PT boats, I think Sands of Iwo Jima blows away "They were Expendable" and I don't say that because my Dad was on Iwo Jima, I just think it has more depth.

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HELLO - A FRIEND PASSED THIS ALONG TO ME RECENTLY. LIKE ALL OF YOU I AM A BIG JOHN WAYNE FAN, BUT HAVE NEVER HEARD THIS STORY. DOES ANYONE KNOW IF THEN COMMANDANT OF THE MARINE CORPS "CLIFTON B. CATES" FLEW TO CALIFORNIA TO PERSONALLY REQUEST WAYNE MAKE THE FILM?

Don't know how true this is, but it sounds good and may have happened just this way.

This was written on John Wayne’s 104th birthday. He was born on May 26, 1907 in Winterset, Iowa, as Marion Morrison, weighing 13 pounds. His birthplace is a museum. There is a guest book, opened to a page with the entry, in the entrant’s handwriting, Name: Ronald Reagan. Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC.

To celebrate the birthday of a truly great American, let me tell you how John Wayne saved the Marine Corps. In the aftermath of World War II, the psychological letdown after years of war and bloodshed, the huge demobilization of servicemen, the desire to slash military spending, and the antipathy towards the military by left-wingers in the Democrat Party all combined in a call by a number of Senators and Congressmen to abolish the Marine Corps.

In this, they were supported by the Doolittle Board, created by Harry Truman, which called for the Marine Corps to be “disbanded” as a separate military force, and “unified” with the Army (yes, the board was headed by an Air Force general, Jimmy Doolittle).

A group of enterprising Marines – you can always depend on Marines to be enterprising – with Hollywood connections, thought a movie made around the most famous photograph of World War II, Joe Rosenthal’s of the Marines raising the flag on Mount Suribachi on Iwo Jima, could help sway public opinion against their disbandment.

They approached legendary director Allan Dwan, who agreed to commission a script. The movie was to be called “The Sands of Iwo Jima,” and everybody agreed there was only one man who could play the lead role of Sergeant Stryker: John Wayne.

To their great surprise, Wayne turned it down. He didn’t like the script, and he wasn’t enamored of the character of Stryker. The Marines came to the rescue again. The Marine Corps Commandant, General Clifton B. Cates, got on an airplane and flew from Washington to California to personally request Wayne make the picture. When General Cates explained the stakes involved – the very existence of the Marine Corps – Wayne immediately changed his mind, promising the general he would do everything in his power to have the movie be a success.

The Sands of Iwo Jima was released in 1949 and quickly became a runaway blockbuster, with millions of moviegoers packing every theatre showing it. Wayne was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar, establishing him as Hollywood’s Number One box-office star. The Doolittle Board folded its tent, and no politician on Capitol Hill ever again said a word about disbanding the Marines.

So let’s all say “Semper Fi” to the memory of John Wayne.

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Two thumbs up! Should have won the oscar! One of his bests!