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The Thin Red Line poster

The Thin Red Line

1964 · 1h 39m · War · United States of America

It separates the coward from the brave The tough and the tender Sex and Love

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.

Directed by
Andrew Marton
Written by
Bernard Gordon
Based on the novel by
James Jones
Starring
Keir Dullea, Jack Warden, James Philbrook, Bob Kanter
6.0Smart score

The TMDB rating, pulled toward the movie average (6.03) as if it had 82 extra average votes. Few votes means more pull.

TMDB6.1

16 TMDB votes · IMDb page

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Not available to stream, rent or buy in United States.

Streaming data by JustWatch, via TMDB. Links open the JustWatch listing for United States.

Style & content

1940sbased on novel or bookguadalcanalpacific theatersolomon islandsworld war ii

Keywords from TMDB.

Connected through the crew

The Thin Red Line1998 · Writer James JonesThe Longest Day1962 · Writer James Jones, Director Andrew MartonFrom Here to Eternity1953 · Writer James JonesKing of Kings1961 · Cinematographer Manuel BerenguerThe Day of the Triffids1963 · Writer Bernard Gordon55 Days at Peking1963 · Writer Bernard GordonEarth vs. the Flying Saucers1956 · Writer Bernard GordonSome Came Running1958 · Writer James JonesKing Solomon's Mines1950 · Director Andrew MartonThe House That Screamed1969 · Cinematographer Manuel BerenguerWelcome Mr. Marshall!1953 · Cinematographer Manuel BerenguerCrack in the World1965 · Cinematographer Manuel Berenguer, Director Andrew Marton

Browse lists

Best War Movies of the 1960sBest War Movies of All Time