Plot centers around how a young recruit (Audie Murphy) faces the horrors of war. Character vascilates between wanting to fight and doubting his own courage. In midst of first bloody encounter, Youth runs away. After seeing dead and wounded, sense of shame leads him back to his unit, where he distinguishes himself in the next battle. Having overcome his fear of "the great Death" he knows e can face whatever comes. Somewhat sentimental "coming of age" tale was pet project of John Huston, who fought MGM over casting of Murphy and Bill Mauldin in lead roles.

Cast

• Audie Murphy as Henry Fleming (aka The Youth)
• Bill Mauldin as Tom Wilson (aka The Loud Soldier)
• Douglas Dick as The Lieutenant
• Royal Dano as The Tattered Man
• John Dierkes as Jim Conklin (aka The Tall Soldier)
• Arthur Hunnicutt as Bill Porter
• Tim Durant as The General
• Andy Devine as The Cheery Soldier
• Robert Easton as Thompson
• John Huston as Grizzled Union Veteran (uncredited)
• William Phipps as Union Soldier (uncredited)
• James Whitmore as Narrator (voice, uncredited)

Technical Specs

Theatrical release poster
Directed by	John Huston
Produced by	Gottfried Reinhardt Dore Schary
Screenplay by	John Huston Albert Band
Based on	The Red Badge of Courage 1895 novel by Stephen Crane
Starring	Audie Murphy Bill Mauldin Andy Devine Robert Easton Douglas Dick Tim Durant
Narrated by	James Whitmore
Music by	Bronislau Kaper
Cinematography	Harold Rosson
Edited by	Ben Lewis
Production company	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Distributed by	Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release date	September 27, 1951
Running time	120 min (original version) 69 min (edited and current version)
Country	United States
Language	English