Product Details

• Format: Black & White, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: A & E Home Video
• VHS Release Date: February 8, 2000
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: 0767026322
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #411,430 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Portrait of the conscientious objector who fought in World War I because it was a "just war". In one battle, York won fame by killing 25 Germans and capturing 132, but he refused to profit from his celebrity status, preferring to quietly devote his life to education.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The humble hero from Tennessee!, June 17, 2005

By 

Dave (Tennessee United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Biography - Sergeant York: Reluctant Hero [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This superb A & E documentary serves as an excellent introduction to the real story of Sergeant Alvin C. York, who was drafted against his will (for religious reasons) but ended up being one of the greatest heroes of World War I. Born and raised in the Valley of the Three Forks of the Wolf in Fentress County, Tennessee, Alvin York was a hard-working farmer who had to help support his widowed mother with her family of eleven. Although he was a dedicated Christian who was firmly against war, he vowed to do his duty, both to God and country, after being drafted.

On October 8, 1918, in the Argonne Forest in France, the legend of Alvin York was born. It was that day that York single-handedly killed 25 German soldiers and captured 132. For the rest of his life York stated that he killed those enemy soldiers in order to save lives, for the German machine-gunners had been butchering his comrades as York and his squad had been pinned down near "Hill No. 223". Alvin York was promoted to sergeant and awarded with several medals, including the Congressional Medal of Honor. After returning home to Tennessee, he dedicated the rest of his life to improving education.

This excellent documentary is perfect for those who've seen the classic film "Sergeant York" and want to learn more about this brave and inspiring hero from the mountains of Tennessee. This documentary proves that some liberties were taken with Hollywood's depiction of York's life, but on the other hand it also shows that many facts were accurately shown in the film, such as the almost unbelievable story of how York's commanding officer had given him a furlough to rethink the religious questions he had about fighting in a war. York is a wonderful role model for young people today and I highly recommend this great documentary.