Darby's Rangers Poster

Darby's Rangers 1958

★ 5.99 votes121 min📅 1958-02-12

"The Picture That Gets Closer To A Fighting Man Than Any Picture Before!"

Darby's Rangers (1958) delivers a visceral portrait of World War II combat through the eyes of the U.S. Army's elite Ranger units. Directed by William A.

Director: William A. Wellman

Cast

James Garner
James Garner
William Orlando Darby
Etchika Choureau
Etchika Choureau
Angelina De Lotta / Dittmann
Jack Warden
Jack Warden
Saul Rosen / Narrator
Edd Byrnes
Edd Byrnes
Arnold Dittman
Venetia Stevenson
Venetia Stevenson
Peggy McTavish
Torin Thatcher
Torin Thatcher
Sergeant McTavish
Peter Brown
Peter Brown
Rollo Burns
Joan Elan
Joan Elan
Wendy Hollister
Corey Allen
Corey Allen
Tony Sutherland
Stuart Whitman
Stuart Whitman
Hank Bishop

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Darby's Rangers (1958) about?

The film chronicles Major William Darby and his men as they form the first U.S. Army Ranger battalions, endure rigorous commando training in Scotland, and face brutal combat across North Africa and Italy during World War II.

Who directed Darby's Rangers?

William A. Wellman directed this 1958 war epic, bringing his signature realistic approach to military storytelling.

Who stars in Darby's Rangers?

James Garner leads the cast alongside Jack Warden, Edd Byrnes, Etchika Choureau, Venetia Stevenson, and Torin Thatcher.

Is Darby's Rangers (1958) worth watching?

With its strong ensemble cast, authentic battle sequences, and compelling blend of action and personal drama, this war film offers solid entertainment for fans of classic military cinema and WWII history.

How long is Darby's Rangers?

The film runs for 121 minutes.

About Darby's Rangers (1958) — The True Story of America's First Army Rangers

Darby's Rangers (1958) delivers a visceral portrait of World War II combat through the eyes of the U.S. Army's elite Ranger units. Directed by William A. Wellman, this war epic follows Major William Darby and his men as they transform from raw recruits in Scotland into hardened fighting machines under British commando training. The film masterfully balances intense military action with personal moments of romance and camaraderie, capturing both the brutality and humanity of wartime service.

James Garner leads a strong ensemble cast including Jack Warden and Edd Byrnes through campaigns across North Africa and Italy. The narrative reaches its climax at the devastating Battle of Cisterna, where Darby must rally the surviving 4th Battalion to rescue decimated allied forces. This Technicolor war drama combines spectacular battle sequences with intimate character development, exploring themes of duty, sacrifice, and brotherhood in the face of overwhelming odds. The film's realistic portrayal of combat training and battlefield heroism makes it a standout entry in the classic war genre.