Cast and Crew of The Longest Day

The Longest Day

"The Longest Day" is a quintessential war film that exemplifies key elements of the action genre, particularly in the subgenre of historical war dramas. It incorporates large-scale battle sequences, intense combat scenarios, and the depiction of strategic military operations, all hallmarks of action films that focus on warfare. What sets it apart from other action titles is its multi-perspective storytelling, portraying the events of D-Day from the viewpoints of the Germans, Americans, British, Canadians, and Free French forces. This ensemble approach offers a nuanced and comprehensive depiction of the battle, enriched by performances from legendary actors such as Henry Fonda as Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt Jr. and John Wayne as Lt. Col. Benjamin Vandervoort. Unlike typical action movies that often focus on a single protagonist or a linear narrative, "The Longest Day" stands out by providing a broad, meticulously researched, and realistic portrayal of a pivotal historical event, emphasizing collaboration, strategy, and the human experience amidst warfare.

Main Cast of The Longest Day

Henry Fonda as Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt jr.

Henry Fonda

Brig. Gen. Theodore Roosevelt jr.
John Wayne as Lt. Col. Benjamin Vandervoort

John Wayne

Lt. Col. Benjamin Vandervoort
Robert Mitchum as Brig. Gen. Norman Cota

Robert Mitchum

Brig. Gen. Norman Cota
Robert Ryan as Brig. Gen. James M. Gavin

Robert Ryan

Brig. Gen. James M. Gavin
Arletty as Madame Barrault

Arletty

Madame Barrault
Jean-Louis Barrault as Father Louis Roulland

Jean-Louis Barrault

Father Louis Roulland
Bourvil as Le maire de Colleville

Bourvil

Le maire de Colleville
Eddie Albert as Col. Thompson

Eddie Albert

Col. Thompson
Paul Anka as U.S. Army Ranger

Paul Anka

U.S. Army Ranger
Richard Beymer as Pvt. Dutch Schultz

Richard Beymer

Pvt. Dutch Schultz
Hans Christian Blech as Maj. Werner Pluskat

Hans Christian Blech

Maj. Werner Pluskat
Richard Burton as Flying Officer David Campbell

Richard Burton

Flying Officer David Campbell

Crew of The Longest Day

Full backstage crew list →