"Well, what am I? I'm a private no-class dogface. The way most civilians look at that, that's two steps up from nothing'!"

Rating: 9/10 (5 February 2007)

On a quiet, unspoilt beach, two lovers embrace in the sand. The fierce waves of the ocean are tossed upon the shore, and the couple is momentarily submerged in a surge of water and foam. Gloriosly oblivious to this, the lovers continue to hold each other tight, as if it is all in this world that matters.
This iconic image between Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr has since become one of the most famous scenes in the history of film. As such, it comes as a surprise to discover it does not even appear in the script  the idea to film with the waves hitting them was a last minute inspiration from the director, Fred Zinneman. It is always fascinating to discover that the inspirations that spring forth at the last minute will often prove to be the most enduring.
On a bright, sunny morning at a Hawaiian military base, Pvt. Robert E. Lee 'Prew' Prewitt (Montgomery Clift, 'I Confess') strolls amidst the marching soldiers. He has transferred across from the somewhat more prestigious Bugle Corps at Port Shaftford because he felt that a less-talented bugle player had been promoted ahead of him. "His feelings were hurt." smirks 1st Sgt. Milton Warden (Burt Lancaster, 'Birdman of Alcatraz') amusedly. "Kids they send us now." Yet it is this uniquely steadfast pride and determination that forms the heart of "From Here To Eternity." "A man don't go his own way, he's nothing," declares Prewitt after refusing his commanding officer's (Philip Ober) request to join his boxing team. "Maybe back in the days of the pioneers a man could go his own way," retorts Sgt. Warden. "But today you got to play ball."
All this petty persuasion proves futile in Prewitt's case. However, his fellow comrades (and his superiors) believe that his participation in the boxing team will be beneficial, as Prewitt had once been a seasoned fighter, only to inexplicably quit a year earlier. As a means of cruel coercion, Prewitt is unfairly persecuted by his superior officers, and targeted by his comrades. Only one fellow soldier, Pvt. Angelo Maggio (an Oscar-winning Frank Sinatra, 'The Manchurian Candidate') looks out for Prewitt's wellbeing, and they become good friends.
Amidst all this struggle and adversity, several love stories begin to blossom. Sgt. Warden takes a fancy to the unappreciated wife of his direct superior, Capt. Dana 'Dynamite' Holmes. Karen Holmes (Deborah Kerr) is fully aware that her husband is cheating on her, but is denied a divorce because it could affect his reputation. Whilst she is initially quite terse towards Warden, she soon falls in love with him, and the two must maintain a low-key relationship behind the army's back.
Prewitt, meanwhile, is dragged by a very drunk Maggio into a local club known as the New Congress Club. Here, Prewitt immediately spots the women of his dreams (an Oscar-winning Donna Reed), and he saunters over to her, only to discover that she is simply being paid by the management to mingle with the Club's guests. Indeed, the name by which she originally introduces herself  Lorene  was given to her on her first night on the job. Nonetheless, Prewitt sees an opportunity for love, and entices "Lorene" to meet him outside of work.
'From Here To Eternity' is a classic Hollywood film. It encompasses riveting drama, timeless romance and, when the occasion calls for it, a few highly-entertaining action sequences. The acting is brilliant all-round from a large cast, which also includes a small role for Ernest Borgnine as Sgt. 'Fatso' Judson, Maggio's sworn nemesis. Winner of 8 Academy Awards (including Best Director and Best Picture), and nominated for a further five (including two Best Actor noms for Clift and Lancaster), 'From Here To Eternity' deserved them all. This is a film that reminds us why we watch movies in the first place.