Yellowneck (1955) Director: R. John Hugh Producer: R. John Hugh Starring: Lin McCarthy, Stephen Courtleigh, Berry Kroeger, Harold Gordon, Bill Mason Studio: Empire Studios Release Date: October 1955 Runtime: 83 minutes Format: Color | Mono | Sound | Drama/War Country: United States Language: English Genres: War | Drama | Survival | Civil War --- 📽️ Summary: Yellowneck is a gritty, low-budget Civil War survival drama set in the Florida Everglades. It tells the story of five Confederate deserters fleeing from the war, each carrying deep personal baggage. As they attempt to make their way to freedom through the treacherous swamp, they face not only natural dangers—alligators, quicksand, mosquitoes—but also their own guilt, mistrust, and past traumas. The film unfolds as both a physical and psychological journey into the heart of desperation. The title “Yellowneck” is a derogatory term used for deserters, emphasizing the shame and conflict the characters carry as they struggle to survive and escape. --- 🔎 Notable Features & Facts: One of the earliest films to depict Confederate soldiers as complex and conflicted rather than heroic or villainous. Filmed on location in the Florida Everglades, adding an air of authenticity and atmosphere. Psychological elements and naturalistic tone make it stand out from other mid-century war dramas. The characters are never given real names, reinforcing the universal nature of their internal struggles. Rare color film for its low budget and production era. No traditional battle scenes—this is a war film about after the war. --- 🗣️ Character Archetypes: The Sergeant – A bitter, rigid man clinging to discipline. The Colonel – Educated and guilt-ridden, seeking redemption. The Kid – Young and terrified, craving safety. The Medicine Man – Superstitious and paranoid. The Swede – Silent and strong, hiding his past. --- 🌾 Themes: The psychological toll of war Cowardice vs. survival instinct Man vs. nature Redemption and shame Brotherhood in crisis --- 🔖 Hashtags: #Yellowneck #CivilWarFilm #WarDrama #1950sCinema #SurvivalFilm #ForgottenClassics #FloridaEverglades #PsychologicalDrama #LowBudgetGem #PublicDomainCinema