Battle Cry (Uris novel)

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Battle Cry
BattleCry.JPG
First ed. cover
Author Leon Uris
LanguageEnglish
GenreWar fiction
Publisher G.P. Putnam's Sons
Publication date
1953 (first edition)
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint
Pages505 p.
OCLC 933160825

Battle Cry is a 1953 novel by American writer Leon Uris. Many of the events in the book are based on Uris's own World War II experience with the 6th Marine Regiment. [1] The story is largely told in first person from the viewpoint of the Battalion Communications Chief, "Mac," although it frequently shifts to third person in scenes where Mac is not personally present.

Contents

The book was a commercial success. The New York Times gave it a mixed review. A film version followed in 1955.

Publication

The novel was rejected by a dozen publishers before being published by G.P. Putnam's Sons. It went on to be a commercial success, due in part to its patriotic spirit. [2] It was one of the best-selling books of 1953, as determined by Publishers Weekly. Warner Brothers purchased the film rights.

Characters

The characters in the book come from a variety of backgrounds, and cover a broad range of American archetypes. The interaction of the characters as they learn to put aside their prejudices and biases to bond, developing esprit de corps , is a primary theme of the novel.

Plot

The book tells the story of how this diverse group came together to form an effective team, as well as describing the battles they fought in, including the Battle of Guadalcanal, Tarawa and the Battle of Saipan. Also described are their boot camp experiences in San Diego and their two assignments to US Marine camps in New Zealand, the first time for preparatory training for the Battle of Guadalcanal and then back again for rest and recovery before the Tarawa campaign. Their experiences in New Zealand reveal the very different cultures of the two allies, and how much the young marines enjoyed the hospitality of the local people, in spite of being what has been called a 'friendly invasion'.

Reviews and Reception

The New York Times gave Battle Cry a mixed review, praising it as the most authentic account of how Marines were trained and how they fought, but noting its conventional approach to character development. [3]

The book is listed on the U.S. Marine Corps Commandant's Professional Reading List. [4]

Film

The film version of this novel was made in 1955, directed by Raoul Walsh and written by Uris. The film stars Van Heflin, Aldo Ray, James Whitmore, Tab Hunter and Fess Parker [5]

References

  1. "Battle Cry|Paperback".
  2. Lehmann-Haupt, Christopher (June 25, 2003). "Uris, 78, Dies; Wrote Sweeping Novels Like Exodus". The New York Times. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  3. "The Tension Never Eases: Battle Cry by Leon M. Uris". The New York Times. April 26, 1953. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  4. "USMC Commandant's Professional Reading List". United States Naval Academy; Nimitz Library. Retrieved June 13, 2021.
  5. "Battle Cry". American Film Institute Catalog. Retrieved June 13, 2021.