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Audie Murphy, Marshall Thompson, Susan Kohner, Charles Drake, Jack Kelly ... see more see more... , Gregg Palmer , Paul Picerni , David Janssen , Richard Castle , Art Aragon , Felix Noriego , Brett Halsey , Bruce Cowling , Paul Langton , Julian Upton , Mary Field , Denver Pyle , Nan Boardman , John Bryant , Alexander Campbell , Ashley Cowan , Gordon Geberl , Edna Holland , Don Kennedy , Henry Kulky , Rankin Mansfield , Madge Meredith , Mort Mills , John M. Pickard , Didi Ramati , Ralph Sanford , Anabel Shaw , Howard Wright , Maria Costi , Barbara James , Howard Price , Rand Brooks

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 ... read more read more...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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80% liked it

4,785 ratings

Critics

100% liked it

5 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 46 min.

Directed by: Jesse Hibbs

Release Date: January 1, 1955

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DVD Release Date: May 25, 2004

Stats: 195 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (195)

  • kenstachnik
    March 21, 2011
    kenstachnik
    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 fi... read morelm 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.
  • broadwaymo
    May 27, 2007
    broadwaymo
    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... read more. If there ever was a story worthy of being retold, this is it. Any producers/directors out there listening?
  • basehat
    November 17, 2009
    basehat
    Audie Murphy is a real life badass who plays himself in this film, go and look it up! The directors had to tone down the real story so that it would be believable to a 1950s American audience.
  • BlueHornet
    April 14, 2009
    BlueHornet
    Recommend...A classic war movie that should be in any serious collectors collection. What makes this movie so special is not the special effects, drama, or action, but as an audience, what we get back from the film. It is a 1950's Hollywood rendition of the true life exploits of... read more one of America's most decorated WWII hero, Audie Murphy. It also depicts the the lifestyles, hardships, and courage of the people of that era. It illustrates the differences of what movies were and who the audiences were then. It presents the movie audience with the opportunity to see history on the screen, not only the WWII events, but about the times, the people, and the movie business of that era as well. Finally, it's an enjoyable film to watch, where you will want to cheer on the hero and smile with pride at the end.
  • mpghoul1973
    May 7, 2008
    mpghoul1973
    To Hell And Back is a damn fine war film. Its the heroic story of actor Audie Murphy who became the most decorated soldier during WWII including recieving the medal of honor. For a film that really idolizes it main character there is alot of good war drama and great action sequen... read moreces.
    Its a fact that Audie Murphy is the most decorated soldier of WWII So when he came home and wrote his autobiography, it was only a matter of time before it would be turned into a film. He pursued acting after the war and when To Hell and Back was being cast he tried out for the part to play himself! The producers at the time thought he was to boyish to be playing a War hero!!!! But in the end he got the part of himself. And he does a fine job at it.
    To Hell and Back isnt the grittiest war film ever but it sure is fun. This would be a great film to retell without the glame this one has. Watching the film its hard to swallow some of the heroics as fact, but from what ive read over the years this one seems to be pretty accurate in its facts.
  • tidderman
    February 13, 2007
    tidderman
    What's better than the real life story of the most decorated soldier in US history. Plus he plays himself. Mr. Audie Murphy!
  • sidney0228
    December 23, 2006
    sidney0228
    Extremely well written and performed life of Audie Murphy in the service of his country, played by the baby faced Audie Murphy
  • wmbrink
    November 2, 2006
    wmbrink
    This movie struggles with itself. Sometimes glamorizing war, sometimes denouncing it. Claiming to be a "true story" of Audie Murphy's experiences in WWII, this war drama actually star's Audie Murphy. Regardless of any Hollywood elaboration, Audie Murphy is truly a hero documen... read moreted in official Army records.
  • greenbeef1
    May 24, 2006
    greenbeef1
    While this movie may be old and has some of that cheesy 50's acting, the story is amazing and all of it is true.

View All To Hell and Back Reviews

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum
October 15, 2004
Steve Crum, Kansas City Kansan

Murphy playing himself is an oddity in a film of this type, but it seems to work.

Dennis Schwartz
August 8, 2002
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

A most pleasing biopic of a genuine WW11 hero. Full Review

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

October 31, 2006
New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Emanuel Levy
July 4, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Linda Cook
April 7, 2004
Linda Cook, Quad City Times (Davenport, IA)

No review available.

Carol Cling
October 10, 2003
Carol Cling, Las Vegas Review-Journal

No review available.

Ella Taylor
August 19, 2009
Ella Taylor, City Pages, Minneapolis/St. Paul

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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To Hell and Back Trivia

  • what movie would a mother go to hell and back for her daughter?  Answer »
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