Hail The Conquering Hero Details

This extraordinarily daring Second World War comedy stars Eddie Bracken as the dejected son of a First World War hero, whose own dreams of service are dashed by hay fever. When some battle veterans persuade him to return home and masquerade as a valiant marine to please his dear old mother, he receives a hero's welcome from the entire town. Writer/director Preston Sturges handles the mounting complications with dazzling dexterity and draws some delightful performances from his favourite character actors, most notably William Demarest as a hard-boiled sergeant and Raymond Walburn as a pompous windbag of a mayor. Ella Raines also sparkles as Bracken's sweetheart.

Skilfully orchestrated Preston Sturges romp, slightly marred by an overdose of sentiment but featuring his repertory of comic actors at full pitch.