Review of From Here to Eternity (1953) by Gavin S — 24 Feb 2014

Definitely a classic, if not for anything more than the iconic shot of Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr kissing on the beach. Luckily, that's not the big story here. The real story is Montgomery Clift pulling a Cool Hand Luke nearly 15 years before Paul Newman. There are differences yes, but Clift's Army Private Robert E. Lee Prewitt who just wants to be left to do his job and won't give in to the pressures and authority must have inspired some of the Luke character (or Newman at least). Lancaster is strong here as the tough but fair Sgt who runs the base for his Captain, who's busy trying to get a promotion between dates (cheating on his wife). Both Prewitt and Sgt Warden find love, Clift with Donna Reed as a men's club worker (Yes Mrs. George Bailey as a quasi-Hooker); Lancaster with Deborah Kerr's wife of his boss. Some of the best work here is in the small parts; Frank Sinatra single-handedly saved his career with this performance as Prew's pal Maggio, who always wants to have a good time until he runs across the sadistic Stockade officer played by Ernest Borgnine.

All this takes place in the time leading up to the bombing of Pearl Harbour, and it is that event which leads the characters to make their stands and meet their fates. The picture won 8 of 13 Oscar nods, including Picture, Director (Fred Zinnemann - High Noon), Screenplay, Cinematography, Supporting Actor for Sinatra and Supporting Actress for Reed. Lancaster, Clift and Kerr were all nominated for Lead Roles as well. Well worth a watch, holds up well, as the story of outsiders and people who aren't really happy with life never get old when done well.