The Iron Major [1943] [DVD]

It's 1942. The seven Cavanaugh siblings all join the war effort. Their mother Florence Cavanaugh is talking to Father Tim Donovan. They recount the story of her husband Frank Cavanaugh (Pat O'Brien) and the need to tell it. Frank coached football and volunteered for the first war despite having seven young children at home.

This is a biopic of a lesser known personality. The bigger goal must be as a wartime propaganda. That's how one gauges success in this. The biopic is bland and takes up too much time. There are a couple of important notes to hit for propaganda purposes. Frank is volunteering despite all the kids needing him at home. That should be explored more. For me, the biggest moment is convincing a shell-shocked Private Manning to go back to the frontlines. Again, that needs to be expanded and it can't happen as soon as he's introduced to the troops. The biopic aspect needs to be in the background and that is the movie's big flaw. ~ imdb