The Thin Red Line poster
FilmWar

The Thin Red Line (1964)

1964-05-02 · 1h 39m · EN
64%
User score
11 votes
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Set during the Allied invasion of the island of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theater during WWII, this film is based on the novel by James Jones. Keir Dullea is Private Doll, who dreads the invasion and steals a pistol to help him protect himself. Sergeant Welsh (Jack Warden), a caustic, battle-scarred veteran, hates Doll, whom he considers a coward. In battle, Doll kills a Japanese soldier and is filled with remorse, which further angers the sergeant. The next day, an emboldened Doll wipes out an entire enemy machine gun post and begins to feel as sadistic as Welsh. The two must work together to clear away some mines, but as they do, their platoon is surprised by a Japanese raid.

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Top billed cast

Full cast & crew →
Keir DulleaKeir DulleaPvt. DollJack WardenJack WardenFirst Sgt. WelshJames PhilbrookJames PhilbrookCol. TallBob KanterBob KanterFifeRay DaleyRay DaleyCapt. StoneMerlyn YordanMerlyn YordanJudyKieron MooreKieron MooreLt. BandJim GillenJim GillenCapt. GaffSteve RowlandSteve RowlandMazziStephen YoungStephen YoungStackMark JohnsonMark JohnsonMedicJason FithianJason FithianPvt. Smalls

Keywords

Based on novel or bookWorld war ii1940sPacific theaterGuadalcanalSolomon islands

Movie DNA

Genre affinityWarTheme affinityBased On Novel Or Book · World War Ii · 1940sEmotional intensityWar · World War IiDirector preference215598Actor preference317678 · 49604 · 157009Country preferenceUs

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Frequently asked questions about The Thin Red Line

What is The Thin Red Line about?

Set during the Allied invasion of the island of Guadalcanal in the Pacific theater during WWII, this film is based on the novel by James Jones. Keir Dullea is Private Doll, who dreads the invasion and steals a pistol to help him protect himself. Sergeant Welsh (Jack Warden), a caustic, battle-scarred veteran, hates Doll, whom he considers a coward. In battle, Doll kills a Japanese soldier and is filled with remorse, which further angers the sergeant. The next day, an emboldened Doll wipes out an entire enemy machine gun post and begins to feel as sadistic as Welsh. The two must work together to clear away some mines, but as they do, their platoon is surprised by a Japanese raid.

How long is The Thin Red Line?

The Thin Red Line has a runtime of 99 minutes.