Watch Too Young the Hero

Too Young the Hero is a heart-touching and inspiring movie based on the real-life story of United States Navy sailor Calvin Graham. The film stars Ricky Schroder as Graham, who enlists in the Navy as a 12-year-old boy during World War II. The movie begins by introducing Calvin Graham, a young boy who lives with his mother and siblings in Texas. Calvin is fascinated by the action-packed war stories he hears from his uncle, who is a Marine. He is so inspired that he decides to enlist in the Navy to serve his country, just like his uncle.

Despite being too young to join the Navy, Calvin manages to fake his age and is accepted into the military. He leaves his family behind, and the movie follows his journey through basic training and his deployment on the USS South Dakota, a battleship that sees action in several battles in the Pacific.

Along the way, Calvin struggles to adapt to Navy life and gain the respect of his fellow sailors, who are much older than him. Despite being a young boy, Calvin is determined to prove himself and prove that he is just as brave and patriotic as any other American. He endures harsh training, including getting bullied by his bunkmates, but he never gives up.

Eventually, Calvin's age is discovered, and he is court-martialed for lying on his enlistment papers. He is stripped of his medals and given a dishonorable discharge. Back home, Calvin is shunned by his family and the town he grew up in. He undergoes a period of depression, angry and disillusioned about the war and the military.

Despite all his setbacks, Calvin continues to fight for his reputation and to clear his name. He enlists the help of a nurse, played by Debra Mooney, who believes in him and his cause. Together, they embark on a legal battle to have his records expunged and his medals reinstated.

The movie culminates in a courtroom scene where Calvin pleads his case to a group of military officers. The tension is palpable as he risks being further disgraced in front of his peers. But Calvin's courage and determination pay off in the end as he is cleared of all charges and his medals are returned to him.

Too Young the Hero is a powerful movie that offers a unique perspective on World War II. It highlights the bravery and sacrifice of young American soldiers who fought in the war. It's a testament to Calvin Graham's resilience and tenacity, despite the numerous setbacks he faced.

The film is well-acted, particularly by Ricky Schroder, who manages to portray Calvin Graham's courage and vulnerability convincingly. Jon DeVries also puts on a strong performance as Calvin's commanding officer, who is torn between his duty to the Navy and his sympathy towards Graham.

The movie boasts excellent production values that capture the essence of the 1940s, from the music to the costumes and the set design. The battle scenes are also well-executed, creating a sense of realism and tension that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Overall, Too Young the Hero is a must-watch for anyone interested in true war stories or inspiring tales of courage and determination. The movie is a fitting tribute to one of America's youngest heroes and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices young men and women have made to serve their country.

Too Young the Hero is a 1988 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.