The Story of G.I. Joe is a war film released in 1945. It was directed by William Wellman and starred Burgess Meredith and Robert Mitchum. The film was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Mitchum's only nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

The movie retells famed war correspondent Ernie Pyle's (played by Meredith) experiences as he follows Company C of the 18th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division as they fight up through North Africa and up the length of Italy during World War II, especially when they are bogged down at the Battle of Monte Cassino. The title refers to the harsh conditions that infantrymen endure during the war.

The movie studio wanted to place a leading-man type for the main role, but Wellman wanted a physically smaller man to better portray middle-aged Pyle. As a compromise, Mitchum was chosen to play Lieutenant (later Captain) Walker. The film was one of the first starring roles for Mitchum.

Cast

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Burgess Meredith as Ernie Pyle/Narrator
Robert Mitchum as Lt./Capt. Bill Walker
Freddie Steele as Sgt. Steve Warnicki
Wally Cassell as Pvt. Dondaro
Jimmy Lloyd as Pvt. Spencer
John R. Reilly as Pvt. Robert 'Wingless' Murphy
William Murphy as Pv. Mew

Awards and nominations

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Academy Awards

• Best Supporting Actor (nomination) - Robert Mitchum
• Best Original Song (nomination) - Ann Ronell for "Linda"
• Best Score (nomination) - Louis Applebaum and Ann Ronell
• Best Screenplay (nomination) - Leopold Atlas, Guy Endore, and Philip Stevenson

External links

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1945 films | World War II films made in wartime | Films featuring a Best Supporting Actor Academy Award nominated performance | Best Song Academy Award nominees