Between Heaven and Hell (1956): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1956, Between Heaven and Hell is an action, drama and war film directed by Richard Fleischer, running about 94 minutes. “From the best-selling novel of young love in war!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Sam Gifford remembers : In prewar years he was an arrogant southern cotton plantation owner, married to the daughter of a colonel. At the beginning of the war he was mobilized with his National Guard unit as a sergeant. Came the day when, revolted by the cowardice of his lieutenant, who had fired at his own men, he hit him. Downgraded, he was sent to a disciplinary battalion. Sam now discovers his new detachment, his new commanding officer, just another cowardly brute, Captain Waco Grimes. While in combat, Sam will gradually become closer to the privates, working-class people he used to despise. He will become another man, a better man.

Who’s in it. Between Heaven and Hell stars Robert Wagner as Sfc. Pvt. Sam Francis Gifford, Terry Moore as Jenny Gifford, Broderick Crawford as Capt. 'Waco' Grimes, CO Co.G and Buddy Ebsen as Pvt. Willie Crawford, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.9/10, Between Heaven and Hell has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response. It went on to earn $1.5M at the box office.

Where to watch. In US you can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Between Heaven and Hell page.

If you liked it. Fans of Between Heaven and Hell tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Inception and The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring.