Product Details

• Actors: William Holden, Nancy Olson, Frank Lovejoy, Gene Evans, Dick Wesson
• Directors: Michael Curtiz
• Writers: Orin Jannings, Richard Tregaskis
• Producers: Anthony Veiller
• Format: Black & White, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Language: English, Italian
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Warner Home Video
• VHS Release Date: June 13, 1995
• Run Time: 99 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 630343097X
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #129,628 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A realistic movie about love and duty at the front..., April 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Force of Arms [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Although it is widely regarded as a remake of the 1932 movie "A Farewell to Arms" starring Gary Cooper, the viewer can expect quite a different story (and outcome) from "A Force of Arms". In the Italian Campaign of 1943 and 1944, the US 36th (Texas) Infantry Division suffered very high casualties all the way from their initial landings at Salerno in September 1943 to Rome in June 1944. They fought crucial battles at San Pietro and at the crossings of the Volturno and Rapido rivers. General Mark Clark of the US 5th Army drove them on to such a point that after the war there was a military inquiry into his harsh tactics that caused disastrous outcome to the 36th ID at the Rapido.

In such a real and histrically significant setting, a sergeant-promoted-to-lieutanant (Willian Holden) meets a WAC officer (Nancy Olson) while on leave just before the push on San Pietro. Having fallen in love, Holden - normally an able and courageous officer - hesitates during the battle for San Pietro, in which his major (Frank Lovejoy) is killed. Himself wounded in battle, he is taken off combat duties to recuperate in hospital and assigned non-combat duties. During this time he and Olsen get married.

Guilt stricken from his previous inaction at San Pietro, he returns to the front (AWOL from his desk duties) to support his men. He is reported missing from combat during heavy action at Velletri, en-route to Rome. Unable to accept that he may be dead, Olson searches for him all over the front including Anzio.

I liked this movie because it accurately portrays many of the complex issues faced by soldiers (and the women who choose to fall in love with them) at the front. Seeing many of his friends die a soldier may value his own life less. But once he falls in love, he wants to stay alive at all costs. Falling in love affects judgement in battle. Failing to exercise judgment properly in battle may be deadly to others and causes guilt to those who survive it. The women who love these soldiers die a thousand deaths themselves. In the end the objective (the battle outcome as well as survival for love) must be reached.

Yet all of this is done is a very nice way. The feeling of the era is very real. I recommend this movie to both World War II buffs and couples. The ending is a surprise and better than "A Farewell to Arms".

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, July 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Force of Arms [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I first saw this movie in 1951 when it was released. I have always remembered it. It was and is a must see for people interested in World War II. Very realistic when compared to the news reels of that time. I did not connect it to A Farewell to Arms and still don't. A movie that was overlooked. All of the cast was excellent, and if you like war movies and love stories it is simply a must see.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good World War II Military Romance, June 1, 2001

By 

gobirds2 (New England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Force of Arms [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is a good but rarely seen World War II romance tale directed by Michael Curtiz. William Holden once again demonstrates his great screen magnetism. The All-American Nancy Olson is his love interest. Max Steiner once again never fails to give us a good score. Very realistic and convincing portrayal of the military strengthens this film. It also stars Frank Lovejoy and Don Gordon. Orin Jannings wrote it for the screen based on an Italian Story by Richard Tregaskis. If you like William Holden you will like this film.