The Girl He Left Behind

1956 "A couple of teenagers and their kiss-and-run battle!"
5.2| 1h43m| NR| en
Details

A young man is drafted and goes through the rigors of basic training, ultimately discovering the experience is also character-building. Director David Butler's 1956 film stars '50s teen favorites Tab Hunter and Natalie Wood, with supporting roles played by Jim Backus, Jessie Royce Landis, Murray Hamilton, Henry Jones, James Garner, Alan King, Ernestine Wade, David Janssen and Raymond Bailey.

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Reviews

Perry Kate Very very predictable, including the post credit scene !!!
Moustroll Good movie but grossly overrated
Suman Roberson It's a movie as timely as it is provocative and amazingly, for much of its running time, it is weirdly funny.
Lachlan Coulson This is a gorgeous movie made by a gorgeous spirit.
atlasmb The title of this film was probably designed to draw in teens who might want to see another romance starring Natalie Wood and Tab Hunter. The film has two taglines. One of them is "A couple of teenagers and their kiss-and-run battle!" However, the other tagline is more appropriate: "It's the Big Happy Look at the New-Look Peace-Time Army!" In truth, this is another of those "recruiting ad" films that were made with the blessings of the U.S. military.The story does start with the relationship between Andy Shaeffer (Hunter) and Susan Daniels (Wood)--a strikingly good-looking college couple. He sponges off his mother and she holds down a job while attending school. He picks her up at her answering service job, then they go to the local burger drive-in and "inspiration point", where she berates him for his lack of ambition.All the while, a voice-over narrates the action. You can tell it's meant to be a comedy by his tone. In fact, the narrator is Daws Butler, the voice of Huckleberry Hound and countless other cartoon characters.Before you know it, Andy is drafted (in peacetime) because of the various flaws in his nature, and the army makes a responsible citizen of him.There are many notable actors in this film, some who are rather new to the big screen. Although Natalie was a veteran, Tab was a relative newcomer, but ready for the studio's star treatment. The two of them had just filmed "The Burning Hills" and demonstrated some chemistry, but they probably would have been paired in this film regardless.James Garner--a newcomer--plays one of Andy's fellow soldiers. So does veteran actor Henry Jones, who had just filmed his amazing performance in "The Bad Seed", which had probably not yet made its impact. Newcomer Alan King also shares the same barracks. Veterans David Jansen and Jim Backus play superior officers. Backus had just starred with Natalie in "Rebel Without a Cause" the previous year. Andy's stint in the army is troubled, but the army in this film is kinder and gentler, and this is a comedy, right? So one scene is adequate to tame Andy's inner demons and he transforms (by the good graces of Army training) into a believer.If you can tolerate the message of this film, it is worth watching just to see the two stars and the others who will have very successful careers of their own.
jak-766-401436 First saw this movie in 1965 the night before marksmanship qualification at Parris Island, I suspect that the reason they showed it to us is so that we could react to the slogan on the sign at the 11th Infantry's Headquarters. Yes, it was "Semper Fidelis"! The whole theater erupted each time that was shown. We also enjoyed the Sergeant's "Your behinds are grass, and I'm the lawnmower" because it was one of our DI's favorites; although with more colorful mode of expression.The movie itself was hilarious in its badness (except for Natalie Wood). We could not fathom anyone getting away with the crap that Tab Hunter's "Andy" was dishing; not even in the Army! The less said about Andy's 'heroics', the better.As for the romantic aspects, it was clear to all of us that Hunter's interest was not in Wood. No one (especially an actor as bad as Tab Hunter) could be within a mile of Natalie Wood and pretend such indifference. Even a great actor could not be indifferent.A nice piece of big studio fluff that is too bad to get made today.
thomas_tate1950 A lot of fine character actors make up quite an entertaining film about army life during peace time. Tab Hunter gives a plausible performance as Andy Sheaffer, jilted boyfriend of Natalie wood's character Susan, who joins the army after flunking out of college. He has commitment issues with his girl friend as well as the army. Although he shows some promise, he feels disdain toward authority of any kind. Fans of Bill Murray's Stripes may see some similarities in this film. Particularly the fight scene between Shaeffer and his platoon Sgt. played by great character actor Murray Hamilton. Look for an early performance by James Garner as a bunkmate along with Jim Backus,Alan King and David Janssen. Directed by David Butler.
m-lucas12 I saw this movie the week that I returned home from South Viet Nam. I have attempted to purchase a copy of the move; however, no one seems to have any knowledge of how I can get a copy of the movie. I can not find it in Cerritos, California. I would highly, recommend the movie to any movie buff who wishes to just enjoy a good movie without blood and violence. Tab Hunter is an excellent actor and he plays this role of a young man who does not desire to remain in the army perfectly. His immature love for his girlfriend is excellent for thought provoking material. The military life is portrayed in a realistic manner. This movie will aid any young man who is currently in the military in making the adjustment from civilian to military life.