His story is taken from Government films ... because they didn't want it !
When Willie leaves home to join the war effort he is all ready to become a hero, but he is only frustrated when his posting ends up to be in his home town, and he is recruited into training, keeping him from the action. However, when he finds himself accidently behind enemy lines he unexpectedly becomes a hero after all.
When Willie Comes Marching Home (1950) is a comedy and war film directed by John Ford, released on February 17, 1950 with a runtime of 1h 22m. It stars Dan Dailey, Corinne Calvet, Colleen Townsend and William Demarest. Viewers rate it 6.9 out of 10 across 15 ratings.
Dan Dailey
as William 'Bill' Kluggs
Corinne Calvet
as Yvonne Le Tete
Colleen Townsend
as Marjorie 'Marge' Fettles
William Demarest
as Herman Kluggs
Jimmy Lydon
as Charles 'Charlie' Fettles
Lloyd Corrigan
as Major Adams
Evelyn Varden
as Gertrude Kluggs
Whit Bissell
as Lt. M.J. Hanley - Psychiatrist (uncredited)
Vera Miles
as Laughing Sergeant's Date (uncredited)
Luis Alberni
as Barman (uncredited)
Gregg Barton
as Colonel (uncredited)
George Blagoi
as German Officer (uncredited)
Directed by John Ford, written by Sy Gomberg, Richard Sale and Mary Loos, produced by Fred Kohlmar.
Average viewer score of 6.9/10 from 15 ratings.
"Kluggs" (Dan Dailey) is constantly being berated by his father for living at home, even after he has joined up to fight in WWII. Despite his repeated protestations, he is told that he is just too valuable as a trainer to be sent into combat and so must stay put. Then, serendipity takes an hand, as he benefits from a bit of right place right time and is soon on a flight to the UK, and thence onto another over…
Reviewed on May 17, 2026
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The main cast of When Willie Comes Marching Home (1950) includes Dan Dailey, Corinne Calvet, Colleen Townsend, William Demarest and Jimmy Lydon. The film was directed by John Ford. You can see the full cast and crew list, with character names, further up this page.
When Willie Comes Marching Home was released on February 17, 1950 and runs for 1h 22m.
When Willie Comes Marching Home (1950) holds an average rating of 6.9 out of 10 from 15 viewer votes, and is a good pick if you enjoy comedy and war films. Read the viewer reviews on this page to decide for yourself.
