The Long Gray Line
Description
Based on the true story of Marty Maher, a humble Irish
immigrant who rose through the ranks to become one of West Point’s most
beloved instructors, THE LONG GRAY LINE is a rousing tribute to a remarkable
man and his way of life. Director John Ford and star Tyrone Power, themselves
the sons of Irishimmigrants, bring an extra dimension of fidelity and fervor
to this inspiring biography. Newly arrived in America, Maher’s first job was
as a waiter at West Point. Clumsy and boisterous, he quickly broke so much of
the military academy’s china that he was forced to join the army to repay his
debts.But once enlisted, the rough-and-ready Dubliner served his adopted
nation with rare dedication, establishing himself as an inspirational coach at
West Point. Spanning 50 years and two world wars, thefilm shows Maher at his
best, molding and motivating the young men who would become America’s heroes
and presidents. Filmed on location with a stellar supporting cast (including
Ford favorites Maureen O’ John Ford pours on the sentiment like
syrup in The Long Gray Line, a tribute to the traditions of West Point. Tyrone
Power ages 50 years to play real-life West Point legend Martin Maher, the
scrappy Irish immigrant who rises from “another Mick waiter” to hot-tempered
cadet to one of the best-loved instructors of the institution. Power is at his
best as the charming rogue with a thick brogue, who ages into a feisty, gray-
haired foster father to the cadets he and his fiery Irish wife (Maureen
O’Hara) adopt over the years, among them Harry Carey Jr. (as young Dwight D.
Eisenhower). Ford claims he didn’t care for CinemaScope, but you wouldn’t know
it from the handsome, lush images that fill the frame. It lolls along at a
lazy 140 minutes, balancing the respectful tributes with boisterous humor and
boyish pranks but always centered by the generous heart of Maher. –Sean
Axmaker
Features:
Product Details:
- Genre: Drama
- Format: Full Screen, Multiple Formats, Color, Dubbed, Closed-captioned, Subtitled, NTSC, Widescreen, Anamorphic See more
- Contributor: Robert Arthur, Ward Bond, John Ford, Tyrone Power, Rota Productions, Ltd., Maureen O'Hara, Robert Francis See more
- Language: English
- Runtime: 2 hours and 17 minutes
- Aspect Ratio : 2.35:1
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
- MPAA rating : NR (Not Rated)
- Product Dimensions : 0.7 x 7.5 x 5.4 inches; 2.4 Ounces
- Item model number : 6546
- Director : John Ford
- Media Format : Color, Closed-captioned, Widescreen, Dubbed, Full Screen, Subtitled, NTSC, Anamorphic, Multiple Formats
- Run time : 2 hours and 17 minutes
- Release date : January 1, 2002
- Actors : Tyrone Power, Maureen O'Hara, Robert Francis, Ward Bond