The Purple Heart (1944): cast, story & where to watch

1944 · Film · ★ 6

The Purple Heart poster

Released in 1944, The Purple Heart is an action, drama and war film directed by Lewis Milestone, running about 99 minutes. “An EPIC SAGE of RAW COURAGE!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. This is the story of the crew of a downed bomber, captured after a run over Tokyo, early in the war. Relates the hardships the men endure while in captivity, and their final humiliation: being tried and convicted as war criminals.

Who’s in it. The Purple Heart stars Dana Andrews as Capt. Harvey Ross, Richard Conte as Lt. Angelo Canelli, Farley Granger as Sgt. Howard Clinton and Kevin O'Shea as Sgt. Jan Skvoznik, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, The Purple Heart 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 The Purple Heart page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Purple Heart 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.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Purple Heart (1944)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Purple Heart change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Purple Heart worth watching?
The Purple Heart holds an audience score of 6.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy action, drama and war. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Purple Heart?
The Purple Heart stars Dana Andrews, Richard Conte, Farley Granger, Kevin O'Shea and Don Barry.
When was The Purple Heart released?
The Purple Heart was released in 1944, with a runtime of about 99 minutes.