How a 1958 war epic brought together three icons of American cinema

Entertainment · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The Young Lions is a rare cinematic artifact: the only film to feature both Marlon Brando and Montgomery Clift. Released in 1958, this sprawling World War II drama weaves together the lives of three soldiers, exploring the moral decay of Nazism and the personal battles against prejudice and cowardice.

Directed by Edward Dmytryk and based on Irwin Shaw’s 1948 novel, the film follows three disparate men whose paths eventually collide. Marlon Brando portrays Christian Diestl, an idealistic German ski instructor who initially embraces National Socialism, only to face a slow, agonizing disillusionment as he witnesses the brutality of the Third Reich. His journey from a true believer to a man sickened by his own army’s actions serves as the film’s moral anchor.

Parallel to Diestl’s descent are the experiences of two American soldiers: Noah Ackerman, played by Montgomery Clift, and Michael Whiteacre, played by Dean Martin. Ackerman, a Jewish soldier, must endure systemic bigotry within his own platoon, while Whiteacre, a Broadway star, initially uses his fame to avoid the front lines. Their stories converge in the final days of the war, culminating in a grim encounter at a liberated concentration camp that forces all three characters to confront the reality of their choices.

The production was marked by behind-the-scenes tension and industry maneuvering. Dean Martin, seeking a comeback after his split from Jerry Lewis, accepted a relatively low salary of $20,000 to secure the role, which had originally been slated for Tony Randall. Despite rumors that their shared talent agency, MCA, pressured the studio, the casting proved a massive success. Martin’s performance earned critical acclaim, effectively launching his solo acting career. Notably, while the film is famous for bringing Brando and Clift together, the two legends never actually shared a frame; their final scene was filmed at different times, leaving the audience to witness their only collaboration through the lens of careful editing.

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