From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
- For the famous New York City infantry unit that inspired the film, see The 69th Infantry Regiment.
The Fighting 69th is a 1940 film starring James Cagney, Pat O'Brien. It focuses on the exploits of the 165th Infantry regiment, the old "Fighting 69th" during the First World War. The plot centers on misfit Jerry Plunkett, played by Cagney, and his inability to fit into the unit due to a mixture of bravado and cowardice. O'Brien plays Father Francis P. Duffy, a military chaplain who attempts to reform Plunkett. "Wild Bill" Donovan, played by George Brent, is the regimental commander, who ultimately orders Plunkett to be court-martialed. One of the characters portrayed in this film is Sgt. Joyce Kilmer, the poet. Alan Hale, Sr. plays Sgt Wynn, who loses both his brothers due to Cagney's blunders.
[edit] External links