The Fighting Sullivans (1944) | A war film based on the true story of the five Sullivan brothers

"The Fighting Sullivans," directed by Lloyd Bacon and released in 1944, is a war film based on the true story of the five Sullivan brothers who served in the United States Navy during World War II. The film begins with the Sullivan family in Waterloo, Iowa, and follows the brothers as they enlist in the Navy after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Despite requests to serve together, the Navy allows the brothers to be assigned to the same ship, the USS Juneau.

The narrative portrays the close bond between the brothers and the impact of their service on their family. As the USS Juneau engages in the Pacific Theater, the Sullivans face the harsh realities of war. The film builds towards a tragic climax during the Battle of Guadalcanal, where the USS Juneau is sunk.

"The Fighting Sullivans" is a poignant and dramatic portrayal of sacrifice, patriotism, and the toll of war on a close-knit American family. It pays tribute to the bravery and dedication of the Sullivan brothers while underscoring the human cost of conflict.