Death of a Soldier is a 1986 Australian historical crime drama film directed by Philippe Mora and starring James Coburn, Bill Hunter and Reb Brown.

It dramatizes of the case of Eddie Leonski (Brown), an American soldier stationed in Australia who committed a string a serial killings in May 1942.

The killing of Australian civilians by an American serviceman further enflames tensions, even after Leonski is caught, culminating in a violent riot.

The idea of making the film came from William Nagle, who wrote a screenplay to produce himself; David Hannay came on board as co-producer.

Mora and the producers wanted to import Americans to play three roles: Leonski, his best friend Gallo and lawyer Danneberg; Actors Equity only agreed to two.

[3] James Coburn had previously turned down a role in Mora’s The Return of Captain Invincible, before he was cast as Major Dannenberg.

At the time, the film drew some controversy over its claim that Douglas MacArthur had directly interceded to ensure Leonski’s hanging in order to preserve US-Australian relations.

To save money the shooting schedule was reduced; some of the crew complained to the Australian Theatrical and Amusement Employees' Association, which put a black ban on the film.

His consensus is that "it's a suspense story that culminates into a good courtroom drama, a wry commentary on chronic American arrogance and a large-scale, meticulously detailed period piece.

"[4] Richard Brier of The Guardian liked it and said "it's a tense and gripping drama that allows both Coburn and Brown to display their considerable acting talents in a well-made, literate and hard-hitting film.

[7] Marylynn Urrichio, in her Pittsburgh Post-Gazette review, felt the movie lacked of tension and while ambitious the screenplay didn't live up to its full potential.

[9] Terry Lawson of Dayton Daily News said he felt on the negative side the movie was too woeful, a bit inadequate in military justice, and ran out of steam toward the end.