First of all, be aware that several of the reviews here give away the ending of this story. Probably, at the time of release, most people knew about the tragic event, but you may want to enjoy the story without knowing what happens, exactly
In the years before World War II, small-town Iowa train conductor Thomas Mitchell (as Thomas "Tom" Sullivan) and his wife Selena Royle (as Alleta) raise five eventually draft-aged boys. When the Japanese attack American troops at Pearl Harbor, the US enters the war. Many young men volunteer. Close from birth to young adulthood, the Sullivan sons insist on serving together. Based on a true story, this film might qualify as the first five-handkerchief tear-jerker. It's manipulative and maudlin, but difficult to argue against...
Of the five sons, the camera focus mainly on youngest Edward Ryan (as Albert "Al" Sullivan); he is played by Bobby Driscoll as a boy. Only Mr. Ryan gets a real romance – with pretty Anne Baxter (as Katherine Mary Roof). Secondary story concern goes to Buddy Swan (as George Sullivan); he is played by James Cardwell as a young man. Otherwise, the ten actors are treated as a unit, which certainly seems appropriate. Producer Sam Jaffe presents it as Americana –blissful family interaction with mishaps; notably, Mr. Mitchell's father has some management problems when it comes to disciplining his children. Director Lloyd Bacon guides the story well; the bracketing scenes involving Mitchell on his train, looking for his sons on a water tower, are beautifully done.
******* The Sullivans (2/3/44) Lloyd Bacon ~ Edward Ryan, Thomas Mitchell, Anne Baxter, Selena Royle
Of the five sons, the camera focus mainly on youngest Edward Ryan (as Albert "Al" Sullivan); he is played by Bobby Driscoll as a boy. Only Mr. Ryan gets a real romance – with pretty Anne Baxter (as Katherine Mary Roof). Secondary story concern goes to Buddy Swan (as George Sullivan); he is played by James Cardwell as a young man. Otherwise, the ten actors are treated as a unit, which certainly seems appropriate. Producer Sam Jaffe presents it as Americana –blissful family interaction with mishaps; notably, Mr. Mitchell's father has some management problems when it comes to disciplining his children. Director Lloyd Bacon guides the story well; the bracketing scenes involving Mitchell on his train, looking for his sons on a water tower, are beautifully done.
******* The Sullivans (2/3/44) Lloyd Bacon ~ Edward Ryan, Thomas Mitchell, Anne Baxter, Selena Royle