The Battle of San Pietro



The Battle of San Pietro, John Huston's documentary about the WWII Battle of San Pietro Infine, was considered too controversial by the U.S. military to be seen in its original form, and was cut from five reels to its released 33 minute-length. Powerful viewing, vivid and gritty. Some 1,100 men died in the battle. Scenes of grateful Italian peasants serve as a fascinating ethnographic time capsule. Filmed by Jules Buck.

Unlike many other military documentaries, Huston's cameramen filmed alongside the Army's 143rd regiment, 36th division infantrymen, placing themselves within feet of mortar and shell fire. The film is unflinching in its realism and was held up from being shown to the public by the United States Army. Huston quickly became unpopular with the Army, not only for the film but also for his response to the accusation that the film was anti-war. Huston responded that if he ever made a pro-war film, he should be shot. Because it showed dead GIs wrapped in mattress covers, some officers tried to prevent troopers in training from seeing it, for fear of morale. General George Marshall came to the film's defense, stating that because of the film's gritty realism, it would make a good training film. The depiction of death would inspire them to take their training seriously. Subsequently the film was used for that purpose. Huston was no longer considered a pariah; he was decorated and made an honorary major.

The Battle of San Pietro was added to the National Film Registry in 1991.

Watch it here. Right here, on this very page.