Ten Gentlemen from West Point (1942): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1942, Ten Gentlemen from West Point is a drama and western film directed by Henry Hathaway, running about 102 minutes. “It's the attraction for showmen to stand up and cheer !” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. This historical drama tells the story of the first class to graduate from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. In the early 19th Century, Congress appropriated the money to build the school, but opponents who believed it to be an illegitimate expansion of the powers of the federal government decided to sabotage the school. They put the hard-as-nails Major Sam Carter in charge of the academy, and he ruthlessly put the recruits through grueling training -- until only ten prospective soldiers remained. They include Dawson, a patriotic farm boy and Howard Shelton, a selfish playboy who has come to West Point only because of its prestige. The two vie for Carolyn Bainbridge, while they, along with the other eight, try convince Carter that the school is worth keeping.

Who’s in it. Ten Gentlemen from West Point stars George Montgomery as Joe Dawson, Maureen O'Hara as Carolyn Bainbridge, John Sutton as Howard Shelton and Laird Cregar as Maj. Sam Carter, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.7/10, Ten Gentlemen from West Point has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Ten Gentlemen from West Point page.

If you liked it. Fans of Ten Gentlemen from West Point tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.