Minute Twenty-Three: From A Flagpole Fail to A Doubting Colonel

Joining us on the episode is Father David Mowry, chaplain of the movies-by-minutes community!

In the twenty-third minute of Joe Johnston’s 2011 film Captain America: The First Avenger...

We’re enamored with Sergeant Duffy. His throwaway lines always make us laugh. The flagpole challenge is presented and the soldiers fail wonderfully. But what happened 17 years ago? Who got up the flagpole? And what was the prize in those earlier years before Agent Carter was here?

This flagpole scene wasn’t scripted so we discuss why it was presumably shot during pickups. That likely explains why Agent Carter’s hair looks different. The big question is does this end up being part of the test to determine who they pick? But where does Carter stand on picking Steve? We know Erskine is pro and Phillips is anti. And is what she’s seeing in Steve in this moment her falling for him or just excited about finding the right recruit?

Why is Agent Carter running drills? Shouldn’t she be observing like Dr. Erskine and Col. Phillips are? And why does this feel again like they’re in basic training?

Whatever’s going on in this minute, Sergeant Duffy shines today. Tune in!
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