almost documentary

Rating: 9/10 (11 March 2006)

May give away surprises to new viewers.
To me this this film is a slice of real Army pre-war life, dramatized just enough to make it entertaining. It is true to its subject and characters, and includes marvelous performances, notably by Frank Sinatra. His career, stagnant due to his having outgrown his Teen Idol status, was re-energized in a big way. I won't dwell on the topics others have covered in praising this excellent film; I DO want to point out two examples of great, great film making. Montgomery Clift as Prew playing Taps upon the death of Sinatra's Maggio is one of the most moving scenes ever put on film. The musician who actually played the instrument was a virtuoso, as the emotion expressed in the performance is tangible. That scene is followed almost immediately by Clift accosting Ernest Borgnine -- the man responsible for the death of his friend -- and asking him to step into an alley. In just a few seconds the two of them are locked in a knife fight to the death, while in the background, just feet away, pedestrians are strolling along Hotel Street, happy honky-tonk music playing in the distance. The contrast between the human activities happening in the same scene is a masterpiece of direction. See this film.