John Ford sure directed a great classic film about West Point and Tyrone Power, (Marty Maher) played the role of an Irish immigrant who is hired to work at West Point as kitchen help. Marty broke so many dishes in the kitchen that he quite that job and enlisted in the Army at West Point and he married a sweet pretty Irish girl named Mary O'Donnell, (Maureen O'Hare). Marty and Mary enjoyed their life at West Point and they both met and made good friends of the cadets and some of them they treated like their own sons. Donald Crisp, (Old Martin) played the role as Marty's father who came from Ireland and Ward Bond, (Capt. Herman J. Kohler) gave a great supporting role to this film. Robert Francis, (Red Sundstrom Jr.) gave an outstanding performance and it is sad to say he was killed in real life in a plane crash right after making this film, he also starred in the Caine Mutiny along with Humphrey Bogart. Truly a great Classic film which you will enjoy from the beginning to the very end.

In 1955 "Marty" won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Other nominees listed were 1}"Love Is A Many Slendored Thing", 2} "Mister Roberts", 3} "Picnic" and 4} "The Rose Tattoo". I could never understand how this truly great John Ford Classic failed to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture that year. In my opinion, it was a much more deserving candidate than the other films mentioned. Ford's classic is the true story of Marty Maher (Tyrone Power), an undisciplined lad who becomes the assistant to the "Master of the Sword"/Atheletic Director, played by Ward Bond. Young Maher's experiences a character change after meeting Mary O'Donnell (Maureen O'Hara) as he begins to embrace the creed of Westpoint...Duty...Honor...Country. This touching story based on Marty Maher's autobiography "Bringing Up The Brass" provides a heart warming nostalgic rendition of a man who helped trained generals as well as a president through the passage of time. To my way of thinking, this film is somewhat of a cinematic bridge between films like "Goodbye Mr. Chips" and "The Quiet Man". The touching tribute to Marty Maher at the conclusion of the film as he is honored by the ghosts of his beloved past brought tears of joy to my eyes. I recommend this film to everyone who has an interest in what life at Westpoint might be like or to anyone who likes a great movie!

Long biography of a West Point veteran who instructs in swimming and such, despite displaying mediocre athletic skills. Tyrone Power stars - and, he plays the part like an Irish Charlie Chaplin. He isn't awful, but the story and direction (John Ford) fail both he and some other competent performers. Naturally, Maureen O'Hara is introduced, like an Irish Lillian Gish. Can it be a coincidence that Donald Crisp is in this movie? Could this film have been an attempt to fool the Russians into thinking our West Point was vulnerable? My choice for the peak of dramatic sentimental idiocy is the portion where Mr. Power and Ms. O'Hara pray for a son - imagine the long gray faces if they had been blessed with a girl! I would have expected then to pray for a healthy baby; if you watch, you will see Divine revenge. On the plus side, "The Long Gray Line" is presented by filmmakers in possession of obvious money, and skill. If you're in the mood for a long, green line from John Ford and company, it's not unpleasant. ***** The Long Gray Line (1/22/55) John Ford ~ Tyrone Power, Maureen O'Hara, Robert Francis

One of the best pictures ever starring Tyrone Power and Maureen O'Hara.Marty Maher comes to West Point and the years just pile on. We see Marty learn the ropes and become a leader among men.He marries his Mary O'Donnell who acts mute at first. O'Hara is just a joy to watch on the screen.Their life at the Point is difficult but ever so fulfilling. There is sadness when their child dies at birth and when war comes, Marty's best friend is killed, leaving a widow (Betsy Palmer) and young son. Of course, the son will go to the Point.Tyrone Power is just fabulous here with a superb Irish accent and emotional appeal as Marty. O'Hara, in an excellent performance, succumbs years later to heart disease, leaving her beloved Marty allalone.The supporting cast is fine. Veteran Oscar winner Donald Crisp is wonderful as the father and Palmer is memorable in the scene where her son says to her: "It has been a wonderful day for Marty." Her reply, "It has been a wonderful life for Marty!" How poignant.A great movie pulling out all the stops. Well worth the handkerchiefs that the viewer will need. Rest in peace Betsy Palmer: Yours was a wonderful career.