The Red Beret (1953): cast, story & where to watch
1953 · Film · ★ 6.9
Released in 1953, The Red Beret is a drama and war film directed by Terence Young, running about 88 minutes. “Alan Ladd at his greatest in this ripcord thriller that rips at your emotions!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Steve MacKendrick resigns from the US Army after causing the needless death of a fellow officer. Wanting to serve in the war, he enlists as a Canadian in the British 1st Parachute Brigade. He proves himself exceptionally skilled for a recruit, arousing the suspicion of his commanding officer who starts an investigation. He redeems himself during combat. The film was titled "Paratrooper" in the US.
Who’s in it. The Red Beret stars Alan Ladd as Steve 'Canada' McKendrick, Leo Genn as Major J. Snow, Susan Stephen as Penny Gardner and Harry Andrews as R.S.M., among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.9/10, The Red Beret 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 Red Beret page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Red Beret tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Red Beret (1953)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Red Beret change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Red Beret worth watching?
- The Red Beret holds an audience score of 6.9 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and war. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Red Beret?
- The Red Beret stars Alan Ladd, Leo Genn, Susan Stephen, Harry Andrews and Donald Houston.