The Marine Corps F4-U4 Corsairs filmed in this movie belonged to squadrons, VMF-217 and VMF-322. Based at the Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro, California. The two squadrons were unofficially dubbed "The Battle Cry Squadrons:" I was an enlisted Marine (PFC) assigned to VMF-217 as a mechanic.That was in 1954. A group of enlisted and officers from the squadrons were invited to Hollywood for a luncheon and to meet the movie's cast. It was a way of thanking the squadrons for their contribution to the film. I was lucky enough to be chosen to go with the group.Members of the cast included Van Heflin, Tab Hunter, Aldo Ray along with many others were there and all were most gracious. Everyone fell in love with Dorothy Malone, including me. Photos were taken but due to many moves over a 30 year Marine Corps career, those photo were lost to the ages. Semper Fi, Masta Guns

In "Battle Cry", there is more crying than battling, especially in the first half of the film. The story follows new marines as they leave home, engage in training, and become involved in actual deployment. There is a concentration on their relationships, particularly romantic relationships.One marine has a girl at home, but becomes involved with another woman. A second marine finds a war widow from New Zealand to become involved with. Regardless of the scenario, the logistics of these relationships is difficult, given the wartime stresses and the uncertain futures of these men.For me, these sections of the film were overly dramatic. The film is also plagued with clichés. This is too bad, because some portions of the film are excellent, only to be submarined by awkward writing. Look for the tough-but-loving commanders. In fact, this is a staple of the film, which begins to feel like a commercial for the marine corps.On a technical level, some of the scenes of tropical jungle look as if they were filmed in the California woods.The extensive cast is impressive. Consider Van Heflin, James Whitmore, Raymond Massey, Tab Hunter, Aldo Ray, Dorothy Malone, Anne Francis, among others. Fess Parker makes a cameo appearance. The Leon Uris screenplay, based upon one of his novels, falls short of "From Here to Eternity" quality, though it tries to be as expansive. Nevertheless, it's interesting to see what WWII looked like to those only ten years removed from its drama.

At least three times during this film there are references to, and actual sequences of, the Navajo Code Talkers in action. They scenes are done very well, in my opinion. But, this movie was made in 1955 and the existence of the code talkers was not declassified until 1968? How could they have made their way into this film at that time? Was there no objection from the Pentagon? I realize that Uris was in WWII but it still seems odd that these scenes got included without some hue and cry. I've tried searching the internet and have not been able to find any reference to a controversy over this. Still, I'm glad the scenes were included as they were much better done than in the later film WINDTALKERS.

Perhaps 50 years on, Amercans have realised that New Zealanders have their own accent? Pat speaks standard Hollywood American, her parents some sort of English English - where did she learn her American English?I know this is a movie of its time and well-meaning, but to make no attempt with accents is just sloppyOtherwise it is an average movie - cannot understand how it was nominated for awards - I am sure there were many better movies in 1955IMDb insists I add extra lines so this is what I am adding - why am I not allowed to be pithy and succinct?