As the Second World War began to wind down, filmmakers started to tell war stories that were more accessible to the general public instead of the usual propaganda formula that Hollywood churned out during the beginning and peak of the war. One of these more intimate war films was Lewis Milestone's A Walk In The Sun which focuses on a platoon of soldiers during the invasion of Salerno Italy who are responsible for taking a farmhouse which contains a German machine gun nest.
The soldiers are a cross section of "average American Joes." As the men march towards the farmhouse the screenplay focuses in on their personalities and at times isn't afraid to show the fear that some of the men develop worrying that they might be shot and killed.
The film has an excellent cast beginning with the underrated Dana Andrews as Sergent Tyne who by default ends up leading the mission. Norman Lloyd is a grumpy private, John Ireland is a minister's son and Sterling Hayden usually associated with comedic roles is the platoon medic. Burgess Meredith narrates the film, and a ballad is performed throughout the film that counterpoints the action.
The film was made on a tight budget, but Milestone's skill still shines through. When he was at the peak of his ability, Milestone was one of Hollywood's best directors.
The screenplay was by Robert Rossen who went on to become a distinguished director himself. The running time is 117 minutes
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