Platoon Leader
“War is hell. This was worse...”
Synopsis
West Point graduate lieutenant Jeff Knight meets cynicism when taking command of sergeant Michael McNamara's tour veterans platoon in a Vietnamese trench camp. Unlike his predecessor, who hid till the end of his tour, Jeff takes charge, experiences the manual doesn't allow coping with all realities and gets wounded. He returns, now fully respect by men and superiors. Besides the Vietcong, the platoon wrestles with the inscrutable villagers, which the G.I.'s officially protect, but also fear as some collaborate with them, other covertly with the Cong, either way subject to bloody reprisals.
Top Cast
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Michael Dudikoff
Lt. Jeff Knight
Robert F. Lyons
Sgt. Michael McNamara
Michael DeLorenzo
Raymond Bacera
Jesse Dabson
Joshua Parker
Rick Fitts
Sgt. Robert Hayes
Tony Pierce
Jan Shultz
Daniel Demorest
Duffy
Brian Libby
Sgt. Roach
Michael Rider
Pvt. Don Pike
William Smith
Major Flynn
Al Karaki
Kemp
Evan J. Klisser
Larsen
Evan Barker
Klinski
A.J. Smith
Lt. Riley
Bill Olmsted
Medic
Themi Venturis
New Lieutenant
Joyce Long
Mother With Child
Yasmin Jacobs
VC Woman
Release History & Theatrical Window
October 1, 1988
Wide Cinema Exhibition
February 25, 2022
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Aaron Norris
- Screenplay & Story
- David L. Walker, Rick Marx, Andrew Deutsch
- Original Score
- George S. Clinton
- Original Title
- Platoon Leader
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Production Studios
- The Cannon Group, Breton Film Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Aaron Norris
David L. Walker, Rick Marx, Andrew Deutsch, Harry Alan Towers, James R. McDonough
George S. Clinton
Arthur Wooster
Michael J. Duthie
Harry Alan Towers
Department Leadership Roster
Aaron Norris
Director
David L. Walker
Screenplay
Rick Marx
Screenplay
Andrew Deutsch
Screenplay
Katherine Dover
Costume Design
George S. Clinton
Original Music Composer
Michael J. Duthie
Editor
Arthur Wooster
Director of Photography
Harry Alan Towers
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Platoon Leader.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Platoon Leader.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Platoon Leader
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Platoon Leader about?
West Point graduate lieutenant Jeff Knight meets cynicism when taking command of sergeant Michael McNamara's tour veterans platoon in a Vietnamese trench camp. Unlike his predecessor, who hid till the end of his tour, Jeff takes charge, experiences the manual doesn't allow coping with all realities and gets wounded. He returns, now fully respect by men and superiors. Besides the Vietcong, the platoon wrestles with the inscrutable villagers, which the G.I.'s officially protect, but also fear as some collaborate with them, other covertly with the Cong, either way subject to bloody reprisals.
Who directed Platoon Leader?
Platoon Leader was directed by Aaron Norris.
Who stars in Platoon Leader?
The principal cast of Platoon Leader includes Michael Dudikoff, Robert F. Lyons, Michael DeLorenzo, Jesse Dabson, Rick Fitts.
When was Platoon Leader released and how long is it?
Platoon Leader was released in 1988 with a total runtime of 1h 37m.
Who composed the musical score for Platoon Leader?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Platoon Leader was composed by George S. Clinton.
Is Platoon Leader based on a book or true story?
Platoon Leader is adapted from the following source material: Book: "James R. McDonough".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Platoon Leader?
Platoon Leader holds official age classifications: DE: 16 (FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).