The Thin Red Line

Genres

Overview

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.

Directors

Andrew Marton

Writers

Cast

Next slide

Keir Dullea

Pvt. Doll

Jack Warden

First Sgt. Welsh

James Philbrook

Col. Tall

Bob Kanter

Fife

Ray Daley

Capt. Stone