The Quintessential War Hero of the Classic Movie Scene–Audie Murphy
When you think about the classic war movie, many people think about those actors that could draw you into a role that they portray. The ever-charismatic John Wayne, or the dynamic Charlton Heston often come to mind. What about the unsung hero’s however, that makes their presence time after time; yet command nothing more than the role they play for the good of the script? One name that rings in the minds of the true war flick aficionado would be Audie Leon Murphy. Born to Emmett and Josie Bell Murphy Nee Killian, this future actor was more than a simple performer that could portray a soldier in the war, as he actually lived the experience first hand.
Given the fact that Murphy was born on June 20th, 1924, it is only natural to assume that he had some sort of discomfort due to the World War II. Many actors of the past have had some form or another of troubling past due to the downfalls of war, yet it is a little more understandable for an actor to portray a soldier, in war movies when they have actually lived the part. What is most interesting about the fact that Murphy was a soldier in WWII and that he starred in this genre of film, is that Murphy was the most decorated soldier in US military history during this timeframe. Not only was Murphy the most decorated soldier in US army history, he received the Medal of Honor, which happens to be the most prestigious award in the military.
One of the most popular movies that Murphy did was To Hell And Back. This movie received critical acclaim, and set the pace for one of the most noted and achieved actor when it came to wartime films. Murphy, being from a large family, knew what hardship was, as he was a mere farmhand for his family after dropping out in of school in the eight grade of school in rural Texas. What was a surprising fact about Murphy’s family is that he was one of 12 children, six of which did not live to see their 18th birthday. Murphy became an excellent marksman at the ripe age of nine, and could wield a 22 Caliber with the best of them. This was a very useful tool when it came to helping put supper on the Murphy table, yet he found it even more useful when he served his time in the American army.
One of Murphy’s most loved endeavors was not really making movies to which might be added he was very good at, but it was raising fine breed horses on a ranch that he owned in Texas. During the time as a horse rancher, businessman, and actor, Murphy did find his way to be a father of two boys both of which carried the charm and grace that this wonderful actor offered the world through his performances that made him great. What many people did not know about this fine actor is that because of the tour that he partook in the war, he suffered from a severe case of post dramatic stress disorder. This gave him a continual case of unease and upset that eventually interfered with his work and his personal life.
What ever became of this fine actor is irrelevant, as he did indeed touch the hearts and minds of the men and women that held a place in the war and anything surrounding. Either way, this fine actor made his way to the level of stardom and he lead the way when it came to the genre of war films, as he was not merely an actor, he was a participant in what was said to be one of the most prolific moments in history. It is easy to understand why Audie Murphy was one of the most talented actors when it came to WWII flicks, who better to give the emotion and performance of a great wartime movie than someone who actually lived the experience. Audie Murphy will go down in history as one of the all time great actors of his time for what he did in the acting out of a great American setting, the triumphs of WWII.
