The Glory Guys

The Glory Guys is a 1965 American Western film directed by Arnold Laven, and written by Howard Browne and Tom Gries. Although it is often classified as a Western, the picture shares strong similarities to war films, and its narrative has little direct connection to the historical events of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, despite sharing its inspiration from the 7th Cavalry Regiment. Instead, the movie tells a fictionalized and universal tale about the lives of young soldiers during wartime. The story begins with the arrival of a group of raw, young recruits at a cavalry post in the American West. Among these recruits are Jack Colby (Fess Parker), a quiet and brooding teenager, and his friend, Billy Jim (Harve Bennett), a lively and enthusiastic young man. As they prepare to face their first deployment, the recruits begin to form close bonds, both strong and weak, which sets them apart from one another. Under the leadership of Lt. Rossiter (Clint Walker), a compassionate and no-nonsense officer, the recruits undergo rigorous training to prepare them for battle. Rossiter proves to be a capable commander and understands that his role extends beyond commanding an army unit but also caring for the well-being of his men. Throughout their time together, he shares valuable life lessons that not only help them to grow as soldiers but also as individuals. The camaraderie among the soldiers becomes the focal point as the story progresses. Jack and Billy Jim, in particular, share an intriguing dynamic. Jack is initially portrayed as shy and detached, struggling to find his place among the other recruits. Billy Jim, however, has no qualms about his new surroundings and is eager to please and befriend everyone. Their contrasting personalities make for compelling viewing, as Billy Jim's outgoing nature slowly draws out Jack's more introverted character. However, the film shifts its focus from this compelling narrative as the story begins its climactic battle scenes. Here, it becomes clear that The Glory Guys does not adhere strictly to historical accuracy. Instead, it draws inspiration from the broader context of a military engagement, rather than focusing on the specifics of the Battle of the Little Bighorn or Custer's 7th Cavalry Regiment. The action scenes, though well-choreographed, lack any real connection to the film's opening narrative. As the battle reaches its intensity, the soldiers are shown to be fighting bravely, and in the heat of the moment, their friendships become all the more meaningful. This portrayal serves to further reinforce the significance of the bonds they forged during training and the sense of loyalty that has grown between them. In a pivotal moment, Jack finally comes of age, and his quiet demeanor turns courageous as he finds himself fighting side by side with his comrades, exemplifying the power of camaraderie in times of war. Ultimately, The Glory Guys presents a story that touches on universal themes of identity, loyalty, and friendship. Though it borrows from the historical context of George Armstrong Custer and the 7th Cavalry Regiment, it does so loosely. The film stands out for its portrayal of the human side of military life, highlighting the emotional toll of war and the bonds that form between soldiers during their time in service. In the end, it serves as a heartwarming and intense war story, driven by the compelling narrative of its characters rather than historical accuracy.