I saw this movie when it came out in 1957, and I will tell you that when that train fell into river and the bridge collapsed, everyone in the theater spontaneously jumped and whistled and shouted. I was just a kid, and didn't understand the nuances of the film, but it was Thrilling! However, nowadays I prefer the lovely flower bedecked bridge in your photo, Sheila.
Wow. That's absolutely fascinating, Sharron. I can see it as WWII was still very fresh and present in 1957. I felt for the medic and his last line: "Madness. Madness." It's actually a pretty bold indictment on those kinds of institutional mindsets that were so successful during the war and somewhat after...so in that sense, the film is more radical than it appears :) I will also stick to bridges lined with flowers and pretty things for the foreseeable future. :) Thanks my friend! Stay well!
It really cleaned up at the Oscars that year. Deserved…all of it! I thought Alec Guinness was just incredible. The more I think about his performance—restrained right up until that moment on the bridge when it all sort of hits him. I’ve never read the book, but might. Thanks!
That’s amazing! The more I think about it, the more the film offers. And that’s my favorite kind of creative work—thinky wrapped in quiet layers that keep unfolding….
If you want to stay in that Pacific war theater lane, The Bridges at Toko-Ri with William Holden and Grace Kelly is a gut-wrencher too. Funny bits about SNAFUs (Frederic March) and culture shock (Mickey Rooney), as well!
I saw this movie when it came out in 1957, and I will tell you that when that train fell into river and the bridge collapsed, everyone in the theater spontaneously jumped and whistled and shouted. I was just a kid, and didn't understand the nuances of the film, but it was Thrilling! However, nowadays I prefer the lovely flower bedecked bridge in your photo, Sheila.
Wow. That's absolutely fascinating, Sharron. I can see it as WWII was still very fresh and present in 1957. I felt for the medic and his last line: "Madness. Madness." It's actually a pretty bold indictment on those kinds of institutional mindsets that were so successful during the war and somewhat after...so in that sense, the film is more radical than it appears :) I will also stick to bridges lined with flowers and pretty things for the foreseeable future. :) Thanks my friend! Stay well!
Alec Guinness got an Oscar and Sessue Hayakawa got nominated; the film itself won Best Picture and Best Director.
It really cleaned up at the Oscars that year. Deserved…all of it! I thought Alec Guinness was just incredible. The more I think about his performance—restrained right up until that moment on the bridge when it all sort of hits him. I’ve never read the book, but might. Thanks!
I wrote about this twice. Loved it!
That’s amazing! The more I think about it, the more the film offers. And that’s my favorite kind of creative work—thinky wrapped in quiet layers that keep unfolding….
If you want to stay in that Pacific war theater lane, The Bridges at Toko-Ri with William Holden and Grace Kelly is a gut-wrencher too. Funny bits about SNAFUs (Frederic March) and culture shock (Mickey Rooney), as well!
Good to know. I think I will be leaving the theatre of war for the moment…but a great rec to tuck in my back pocket :)