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Plot

A tough youth gang leader learns the true meaning of courage in this moving and thoughtful drama. He is the leader of a troop of boys involved in an elaborate game of "capture the flag." He is idolized by a sickly boy on the block who begs to be allowed to join the leader's group. Eventually the older boy gives in and "enlists" the weakling as a private. Though he treats the young lad with contempt, the boy is so enamored of his hero that he doesn't notice. Eventually the gang's rivals, the "Red Shirts" steal their flag. To prove himself, the sickly boy risks his life and frail health. The allegorical, anti-war story is based on Hungarian playwright Molnar's autobiographical novel.
MPAA Rating:
Not Yet Rated
Genre(s):
Drama
Run Time:
117min.
Theatrical Release Date:
08/19/1997
Distributor(s):
Columbia Pictures
Director(s):
Frank Borzage
Starring:
George Breakston , Jimmy Butler , Jackie Searl , Frankie Darro , Donald Haines
Tone:
Literate,Poignant
Keywords:
admiration,army,boy,butler,conflict,courage,death,enemy,excitement,fidelity,gang-war,gangster,glory,group,health,idol,leader,mother,neighbor,officer,outcast,privacy,respect,rival,soldier,war,war-games,water,weakness,youth