MovieChat Forums > Battle Cry (1955) Discussion > What does the term 'high pockets' mean?

What does the term 'high pockets' mean?

posted 15 years ago by mike-848
13 replies | jump to latest

Why did they nickname Col.Huxley that?

[–] rac701 14 years ago

It think it's a poker-playing term. A "high pocket" card is a high value card.

Just a guess, but nicknaming Major (later Lt. Colonel) Huxley, the battalion commander, "High Pockets" may have been a reference to his being the highest-value card in the battalion -- also, that as the CO, he "held all the high (pocket) cards."

The only other thing I can think of is that it could have been a reference to his height (tall?). If you're tall, naturally your pockets are "high."

I read the novel so long ago I can't remember if the "High Pockets" nickname was ever explained or defined in the book. It wasn't in the movie.

[–] jimbobboy2353 14 years ago

He was called High Pockets, because he was fairly tall. Thus, he walked around with "high pockets" on his utilities.

[–] mike-848 14 years ago

Sounds reasonable. Thanks.

[–] jimbobboy2353 14 years ago

Full disclosure, the character in the book was modeled after my father, who was the commander of 2/6 on Tarawa. Mr Uris served with him as a radioman, and always told my dad he would "write a book one day." Turns out he did. That was my source of the information. Dad was 6'3"- pretty tall for the day. After the war, they remained friends until Uris's death, and visited each other's houses and exchanged greetings at Christmas. Among our family's heirlooms are inscribed copies of each of Mr Uris's books to my dad.

[–] Captain_Augustus_McCrae 13 years ago

If he is still living, please convey my thanks to your father for his service. If he is not still with us, my condolences for your loss. Your dad and his comrades-in-arms were indeed the greatest generation of our country.

"She was a long, tall, authentic blonde. I loved her as much as I loved my .45..."

[–] jimbobboy2353 13 years ago

Thank you very much.

Dad passed away on Veteran's Day, November 11th, 2004. He is buried at the San Luis Rey Mission Cemetery near Oceanside, California.

He loved his Marine Corps, and most especially the brave men and women who served with him.

See:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Murray

Jim Murray

[–] Captain_Augustus_McCrae 13 years ago

Sorry for your loss- even at this late date. I work in a museum, and one of our volunteers is a retired Air Force general. He recently was awarded the French Legion of Honor for his service in WW2 (better late than never). We get a kick out of calling him "Sir Richard" (the L of H award carries the rank of "Chevalier"). He is 92, and quite frail. When he passes away, I will mourn.
Thanks for the link re: your father. Warm Regards.

"She was a long, tall, authentic blonde. I loved her as much as I loved my .45..."

[–] avnrulz 11 years ago

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Murray

When I was stationed in Alabama in the 1980's, I was called 'High Pockets' by some of the military retirees that worked there; they were southern and I was 6'4", so as soon as I heard it I knew the reference.

BOHICA America!

[–] Captain_Augustus_McCrae 9 years ago

Dear Mr. Murray,
I pause to recognize the forthcoming 10th anniversary of your father's passing. Once again, I am sorry for your loss, and I want you to know that your father and his service are not forgotten. Warmest Regards.

"It ain't dying I'm talking about, it's LIVING!"
Captain Augustus McCrae

[–] jimbobboy2353 9 years ago

Cpt. McCrae, thank you so very much for your remembrance.

It will, I'm afraid, be a sad phone call to my Mom who is 93 and still alive and living in Carlsbad. Thanks again for taking the time and effort to send along your thought.
Semper Fi.

Jim Murray

[–] dannieboy20906 8 years ago

I've seen your interesting posts in several locations.

As a past volunteer docent I am curious to know where you volunteer? I have served as a docent and general errand runner at the McClellan Aviation Museum (now it is the Aerospace Museum of California) and the National Atomic Museum (back when it was still located on Kirtland Air Force Base).

The best diplomat I know is a fully charged phaser bank.

[–] Captain_Augustus_McCrae 8 years ago

Dannieboy,
Sorry to be so late in replying- I work at the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento. The docent I mentioned has since passed away, after a lifetime of service, to the nation, the state and our museum. I miss him. Stop in sometime and be my guest. Just give me a heads-up that you'll be coming.

"It ain't dying I'm talking about, it's LIVING!"
Captain Augustus McCrae

[–] dannieboy20906 8 years ago

I'll do that when the opportunity comes. I love the Cal State RR Museum. I used to visit often when I was stationed at McClellan. The last time I was there was in the summer of 2010. I took the wife on a road trip up that way to go museum hopping.

The best diplomat I know is a fully charged phaser bank.