To Hell and Back (1955)

100% of critics liked it
(5 reviews)
80% of users liked it
(4,786 ratings)

The highly variable Audie Murphy delivers his best screen performance as "himself" in Universal's To Hell and Back. Based on the star's autobiography, this is the story of how Murphy became America's most-decorated soldier during WW II. After dwelling a bit on Murphy's hard-scrabble Texas… More The highly variable Audie Murphy delivers his best screen performance as "himself" in Universal's To Hell and Back. Based on the star's autobiography, this is the story of how Murphy became America's most-decorated soldier during WW II. After dwelling a bit on Murphy's hard-scrabble Texas upbringing, the story moves ahead to 1942, when, as a teenager, Audie joined the army. Within a year, he was a member of the 7th Army, serving in North Africa, Italy, France and ultimately Germany and Austria. One by one, the members of Murphy's Company B are killed in the war, until only three men from the original company are left (the others appear at the finale as ghostly images, a standard visual cliché of 1950s war films). The bulk of the film is given over to Murphy's conspicuous acts of combat bravery, and his killing of 240 enemy soldiers. Highlighted by excellent battle sequences, To Hell and Back is a serviceable tribute to a most complex individual. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 46 min.
Directed By: Jesse Hibbs
Written By: Gil Doud
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1955 Wide
On DVD: May 25, 2004
Studio: MCA Universal Home Video

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan
Murphy playing himself is an oddity in a film of this type, but it seems to work.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A most pleasing biopic of a genuine WW11 hero.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Ken S

A propaganda fest from beginning to end. To Hell and Back tells the story of Audie Murphy, the most decorated solider of WW2 and it stars Audie Murphy. The real Audie Murphy plays himself, in the story of himself kicking the crap out of Nazi's. If that sounds to you like the… More
A propaganda fest from beginning to end. To Hell and Back tells the story of Audie Murphy, the most decorated solider of WW2 and it stars Audie Murphy. The real Audie Murphy plays himself, in the story of himself kicking the crap out of Nazi's. If that sounds to you like the film with in a film from Inglorious Basterds, but American, you'd be correct. Nation's Pride was based on this film. As far as war films go it's not too shabby. I wouldn't rush out to see it, but worth a watch if you like the genre.
Moe E

If one wasn't familiar w/ Audie Murphy's exploits in the European theatre during WWII, they'd think this just another Hollywood exaggeration of a few random acts. The reality is that this is a fairly accurate depiction of historical events, albeit 1955 Hollywood… More
If one wasn't familiar w/ Audie Murphy's exploits in the European theatre during WWII, they'd think this just another Hollywood exaggeration of a few random acts. The reality is that this is a fairly accurate depiction of historical events, albeit 1955 Hollywood production values. If there ever was a story worthy of being retold, this is it. Any producers/directors out there listening?

Cast

            Audie Murphy as Himself

            Marshall Thompson as Johnson

            Susan Kohner as Maria

            Charles Drake as Brandon

            Jack Kelly as Kerrigan

            Gregg Palmer as Lieutenant Manning

            Paul Picerni as Valentino

            David Janssen as Lieutenant Lee

            Richard Castle as Kovak

            Art Aragon as Sanchez

            Felix Noriego as Swope

            Brett Halsey as Saunders

            Bruce Cowling as Captain Marks

            Paul Langton as Colonel Howe

            Julian Upton as Steiner

            Mary Field as Mrs. Murphy

            Denver Pyle as Thompson

            Nan Boardman as Maria's Mother

            John Bryant as Jim

            Alexander Campbell as Rector

            Ashley Cowan as Scottish soldier

            Gordon Geberl as Audie Murphy as a boy

            Edna Holland as Mrs. Houston

            Don Kennedy as Marine Recruit Sergeant

            Henry Kulky as Stack

            Rankin Mansfield as Dr. Snyder

            Madge Meredith as Corinne

            Mort Mills as Soldier

            John M. Pickard as M.P.

            Didi Ramati as Carla

            Ralph Sanford as Chief Petty Officer

            Anabel Shaw as Helen

            Howard Wright as Mr. Houston

            Maria Costi as Julia

            Barbara James as Cleopatra

            Howard Price as Truck Driver

            Rand Brooks as Lt. Harris
See full cast