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brainwash technique [i.e., an enemy battlefield loudspeaker broadcasting psycho-
logical abuse to attacking U.S. infantrymen] are worthy of highest commenda-
tion in James R. Webb’s bone- bare script, which has been taken from S.L.A.
Marshall’s factual account of the fighting for Pork Chop Hill. And the audacity of
Sy Bartlett to produce such a grim and rugged film, which tacitly points the obso-
leteness of ground warfare, merits applause” (Crowther, 1959). Good notices not-
withstanding, Pork Chop Hill did lackluster business at the box office. A relentlessly
grim picture about a bloody battle at the end of an unpop u lar war, the movie
generated $1.7 million in ticket sales— just enough to recuperate its production
costs, despite an 11- city pre- release promotional tour by Gregory Peck.
Reel History Versus Real History
In general terms Pork Chop Hill is a fairly accurate depiction of the actual battle,
albeit somewhat simplified for narrative coherence. As depicted in the movie, Amer-
ican G.I. morale at the time of the Battle of Pork Chop Hill was low. The Chinese
did use loudspeakers as a means of psychological warfare but not quite as depicted
in the film; the Chinese often welcomed arriving units by name via their loudspeak-
ers but did not broadcast a greeting to King Com pany as it moved up the hill, as the
film shows. At any rate, ongoing peace talks and impending prisoner exchanges
made it clear that the war would soon be over; no one was anxious to be the last
combatant to die in an unpop u lar conflict about to end in stalemate. Gregory Peck’s
rendition of Lt. Joseph Clemons is, however, more problematic. Lt. Clemons was
24 in 1953, whereas Peck was 42 in 1958 when he played Clemons— far too old to
be playing a ju nior officer just two years out of West Point. In his book, S.L.A.
Marshall characterized Lt. Clemons as still inexperienced and prone to confusion,
a characterization that Lewis Milestone wanted to capture on film but Milestone
was overridden by Gregory Peck. In keeping with his well- established star persona
as an always righ teous and invincible hero, Peck played Clemons as unshakably
stalwart and decisive (Fishgall, 2002, p. 207). Despite the obvious age discrep-
ancy and an idealized portrayal, the real Joe Clemons pronounced Pork Chop Hill
“so realistic that it seems the battle itself is being refought before your very eyes”
(Payne, 1959).