Hell to Eternity (1960)

Director:

Phil Karlson

Writers:

Ted Sherdeman (screenplay) and
Walter Roeber Schmidt (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

1 August 1960 (USA)

Genre:

Biography | Drama | War

Tagline:

THE MARINES' BATTLE CRY OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC! (original print ad - all caps)

Plot:

When his adoptive Japanese-American family is sent to Manzanar after Pearl Harbor, a young Chicano enlists in the marines to become a hero in the Battle of Saipan.

Plot Keywords:

Pillbox | Revenge | Amphibious Landing | Stripper | Banzai

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Jeffrey Hunter	...	Guy Gabaldon
David Janssen	...	Bill
Vic Damone	...	Pete
Patricia Owens	...	Sheila Lincoln
Richard Eyer	...	Guy, as a boy
John Larch	...	Capt. Schwabe
Bill Williams	...	Leonard
Michi Kobi	...	Sono
George Shibata	...	Kaz Une
Reiko Sato	...	Famika
Richard Gardner	...	Polaski
Bob Okazaki	...	Papa Une
George Matsui	...	George, as a boy
Nicky Blair	...	Martini
George Takei	...	George (as George Takai)

Runtime:

131 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

USA:Approved (certificate #19675) | Iceland:16 | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15

Filming Locations:

Okinawa, Japan

Company:

Atlantic Pictures (I)

Trivia:

There were initially many objections to the striptease dances done by Famika and Sheila, and both were cut considerably in reaction to those objections.

Quotes:

Gen. Matsui: [saddened by seeing his men surrender] This is not a pretty sight for me to see.
Guy Gabaldon: Neither was Pearl Harbor!

Guy Gabaldon's story continues. . . .

A great war/personal true story, as previously commented, about a Mexican-American young man from Boyle Heights (just east of Los Angeles) CA., who worked close with the migrant Japanese-American workers and learned to speak Japanese. He joined the USMC First Marine Division and was the recipient of the Naval Cross for his exploits on Saipan Island. He has since written a book "Saipan: Suicide Island" and comments heavily on the movie. Guy is proud of his Mexican-American heritage and very very proud of the First Marine Division - USMC. He lives in Northern California and is a great American. I say this because of his continued service to this country. He continues to get involved in services for the community and especially our youth. I was 11 years old when I saw this movie (1962) two years after it's release. I loved it for the war action and the personal story. I was impressed that this person cared and tried hard to do what he thought was the right thing. Vic Damone and David Jansen played good roles as well as Jeffery Hunter. Hollywood was reluctant to depict Mexicans on the screen as regular people. That is why Jeffery Hunter played an Italian-American in this film. Anthony Quinn had just completed "Requiem for a Heavyweight". Mr. Quinn lived in the same heights as Guy. My parents would tell us kids that he was one like us. I am not negative buy simply express my feeling and recollections. Anyway, I always recommend this movie to my friends and consider it in the Top 10 for war films. If ever the chance to read Guy's book or speak with him, do not pass on the opportunity. Check out this movie - there are wheels turning to remake this movie. Guy's story continues. ..