A war film without action makes this picture almost unique. The message is that wars are fought with character as much as gun fire. Cagney's performance is subtle and deeply felt. One scene in particular in the final half hour should be watched carefully: a 45-second shot of Cagney sitting at his desk with a cup of coffee as the consequences of his decision run through his mind in the form of off-screen battle sounds. The camera patiently draws in on his face, as his expression grown more grim. Cagney's expression and eyes have a power that burns through the screen like a magnificent still life summing up the enormous responsibility of command. Also, the choral music throughout adds a great weight and sense of secular reverence to the tone of the film. In a way, "Gallant Hours" is comparable to "Command Decision," in that it takes us, as one other viewer put it, behind the scenes of battle.
Review of The Gallant Hours
