Pride of the Marines (1945)

In the heart of Philadelphia, the charming duo, Jim and Ella Merchant, scheme to introduce their single friend, Al Schmid, to Ruth Hartley via a blind date. Sparks fly instantly, and Al and Ruth embark on a blossoming romance. Al, a skilled welder, is stirred by a friend's decision to join the Marine Corps, and he too, decides to enlist. He urges Ruth to forget him, fearing the inevitable dangers of combat. But as he boards his departure train, a relieved Al presents Ruth with an engagement ring, a symbol of their enduring love. Stationed in the perilous trenches of Guadalcanal, Al and his squad bear the weighty responsibility of holding the line against oncoming Japanese forces. Amidst the chaos of a nocturnal attack, Al demonstrates unparalleled bravery, single-handedly thwarting the enemy advance but falling victim to a suicide bomber’s blast, which robs him of his sight. In the sterile confines of a military hospital, Al grapples with his new reality. Overwhelmed by self-pity, he pens a heart-wrenching letter to Ruth, releasing her from their engagement. Despite the determined efforts of his friend Lee, a caring nurse, and a team of doctors, Al resists rehabilitation, entrenched in his belief that he can never lead a "normal" life again. Eventually, he is discharged, returning home with his spirits at an all-time low. He refuses to see Ruth, his pride preventing him from accepting her care and love. Meanwhile, Al's heroic actions have not gone unnoticed. He is honored with the prestigious Navy Cross for his exceptional bravery. But the question remains: will Al conquer his stubborn pride and grant viewers the joy of a happy ending? His journey of love, courage, and self-discovery forms the stirring narrative of "Pride of the Marines."

Pride of the Marines is a drama movie featuring John Garfield.

Pride of the Marines is currently streaming on DIRECTV.