Set in the oh so innocent days (and nights) of just barely pre-Pearl Harbor Hawaii, we get a provocative film, pushing the boundaries of censorship with its frank depiction of sexuality, failed marriage, adultery and violence. A quite unflattering take on military life is tossed in for good measure. "From Here to Eternity" was controversial in 1953, when the Hays Code yet lingered. A "War movie" wasn't supposed to go where this film goes.
We have an exceptional cast, with each actor delivering a memorable performance. Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr's passionate love affair and scene on the beach is a cinematic icon. Montgomery Clift and Frank Sinatra are both excellent, as is the entire supporting cast. The film won 8 Academy Awards out of 13 nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Adapted Screenplay, and Best Supporting Actor (Frank Sinatra).
There was a rumor that Sinatra was cast due to his connections with the Mafia. And this is the basis for a sub-plot in "The Godfather". Montgomery Clift was an insufferable method actor. He learned to play the bugle, took boxing lessons and drank heavily during production (the last item being something he and Sinatra were pretty good at going in).
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