About Too Young the Hero

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• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music
• Soundtrack

About

Too Young the Hero is a biographical drama film released in 1988. The movie is based on a true story and follows the life of Calvin Graham, the youngest U.S. Navy sailor to serve in World War II. The film tells the remarkable story of Calvin's enlistment at the age of twelve, his experiences during the war, and the challenges he faced as a young hero.

The plot focuses on Calvin Graham's determination to serve his country, despite being underage and initially rejected due to his young age. Calvin eventually manages to join the Navy by lying about his age and undergoes rigorous training. He is assigned to the USS South Dakota battleship and is thrust into the midst of the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Throughout his service, Calvin faces various hardships and witnesses the brutal reality of war. Despite his age, he proves his bravery and dedication, earning the respect of his fellow sailors. However, his true age is eventually discovered, and he is forced to leave the Navy. The film explores the impact of Calvin's wartime experiences on his life and the challenges he faces upon returning to civilian life.

Making / Production

Too Young the Hero was directed by Buzz Kulik and written by Andrew Peter Marin. The film was produced for television and initially aired on CBS on February 27, 1988. It was later released on home video formats. The movie was critically acclaimed for its heartfelt portrayal of Calvin Graham's extraordinary story and the emotional depth of the performances.

Actors

• Rick Schroder - Calvin Graham: Rick Schroder portrays Calvin Graham with great depth and authenticity, capturing the challenges and emotions of the young war hero.
• Jon DeVries - Lt. Comdr. Tommy Thomas: Jon DeVries convincingly portrays Lt. Comdr. Tommy Thomas, a naval officer who becomes a mentor figure for Calvin.
• Mary-Louise Parker - Sister Mary Beth: Mary-Louise Parker delivers a powerful performance as Sister Mary Beth, a nun who provides support and guidance to Calvin.
• Danny Nucci - Tony Rizzo: Danny Nucci plays Tony Rizzo, a fellow sailor who becomes Calvin's friend and confidant during their time in the Navy.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Calvin Graham, the real-life inspiration for the film, was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his service during World War II.
• Rick Schroder underwent intense physical training to prepare for his role as Calvin Graham, including military drills and physical conditioning.
• The USS South Dakota battleship, on which Calvin served in the film, was portrayed by the USS North Carolina, an actual battleship from the same era.

Awards

Too Young the Hero did not receive any major awards, but it was widely praised by audiences and critics for its powerful storytelling and poignant performances.

Quotes

• "I wanna do something important. I wanna serve my country." - Calvin Graham
• "You don't have to be big to be a hero. You just have to be brave." - Sister Mary Beth
• "We may not have known it then, but the world depended on us. On young men like you." - Lt. Comdr. Tommy Thomas

Music

The music for Too Young the Hero was composed by David Bell and captures the emotional intensity and patriotic spirit of the film. The score features stirring orchestral arrangements that enhance the dramatic moments and convey the resilience and determination of the young hero.

Soundtrack

• "America the Beautiful" - performed by Rick Schroder
• "The Star-Spangled Banner" - performed by Rick Schroder
• "God Bless America" - performed by Rick Schroder