Baby Blue Marine

Baby Blue Marine

Year: 1976

Runtime: 90 mins

Language: English

Director: John D. Hancock

Drama

Set in 1943, a would‑be Marine fails basic training and returns home in the “baby‑blue” washout fatigues. En route he’s robbed by a battle‑tired Marine Raider, who leaves him to hitchhike back in a uniform that makes him look like a hero. A small Colorado town takes him in, treating him as the celebrated soldier he appears to be.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Baby Blue Marine (1976)

Trace every key event in Baby Blue Marine (1976) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Marine recruit Washout

Marion 'Hedge' Hedgepeth fails to complete his Marine recruit training in San Diego and is discharged in a basic baby-blue uniform, which was leftover military surplus. He is sent home in civilian clothes, earning the derogatory nickname 'Baby Blue Marine'.

During WWII San Diego
2

Encounter with Marine Raider veteran

While traveling by bus to St. Louis, Hedge meets a battle-scarred Marine Raider veteran at a stopover. The veteran, aged beyond his years, is highly decorated and shows signs of wartime trauma. He secretly trades uniforms with Hedge to avoid returning to war.

During bus journey Stopover
3

Hedge travels to small town of Bidwell

Penniless and wearing a Raider uniform, Hedge hitchhikes to the small town of Bidwell, California, near Mount Shasta. His uniform's decorations make him appear as a hero to the local community, whose young men are away fighting in WWII.

During WWII Bidwell, California
4

Hedge befriends locals

In the town, Hedge is befriended by waitress Rose and Mr. Elmore, who has lost his son in the Pearl Harbor attack. Hedge also meets Private Danny Phelps, a young soldier awaiting his next assignment, creating bonds with the local residents.

During WWII Bidwell
5

Hedge stays with Rose’s family

Rose invites Hedge to stay with her family, and he bunked with her brother Barney. The growing relationship prompts Hedge to reveal his true story to Rose, confiding that he has kept quiet about his uniform and past to protect the real Raider.

During WWII Rose’s home
6

Locals search for escaped internees

Three American-born Japanese-American boys escape from a nearby internment camp. The local community and inexperienced army troops, including Private Phelps, participate in searching for the boys, revealing underlying tensions around the internment.

During WWII Near Bidwell
7

Hedge finds the escaped boys

Hedge locates the escapees in the woods, and they confess they are attempting to return to San Francisco because they believe they are being unfairly interned. Hedge’s discovery highlights the innocence and naivety of the boys amidst wartime suspicion.

During WWII Woods near Bidwell
8

Phelps shoots Hedge

Private Phelps, with a hostile attitude towards the Japanese-American boys, spots Hedge and shoots him, causing Hedge to fall into a mountain stream's rapids. It is a moment of intense conflict driven by wartime prejudice.

During WWII Mountain stream
9

Rescue from drowning

Japanese-American boys, along with Mr. Elmore and a repentant Phelps, save Hedge from drowning after he is heavily bleeding. Hedge, fearing for his life, urges Rose to tell his true story, emphasizing the significance of truth and reconciliation.

During WWII Mountain stream
10

End of war and return

After the war ends, Hedge returns to Bidwell and Rose, having served as a corporal under General Patton in the U.S. Third Army. His return signifies closure, and the experience leaves a lasting impact on him and the community.

Post-WWII Bidwell

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:14

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Movies about impostor heroes like Baby Blue Marine

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Why These Movies?

This thread connects films through their specific setting and thematic focus. They share a reflective, sometimes nostalgic mood, a steady pacing that allows for character development, and a medium emotional weight derived from ethical quandaries rather than battlefield action. The tone is typically dramatic and bittersweet, examining the grey areas of life during wartime.

Unlock the Full Story of Baby Blue Marine

Don't stop at just watching — explore Baby Blue Marine in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Baby Blue Marine is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Baby Blue Marine Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Baby Blue Marine, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Baby Blue Marine Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Baby Blue Marine

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Baby Blue Marine. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Baby Blue Marine

Baby Blue Marine Spoiler-Free Summary

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Baby Blue Marine Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Baby Blue Marine

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