A Day at the Beach

Each generation has a select few films that push the boundaries of their era – changing the way in which people saw motion pictures and (usually) creating a new freedom for future filmmakers to delve deeper into those controversial themes that were first explored in the edgy flicks.

One such movie is Fred Zinnemann’s 1953 motion picture From Here to Eternity. A major risk for Columbia at the time (as James Jones’ 850 page plus tome of the same name dealt with controversial subjects around love and the military), the decision paid off, as it was a major financial success and won eight Academy Awards (including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Actress – for Frank Sinatra and Donna Reed, Best Director, etc.).

I recently spoke with actress Beverly Washburn (at CAPE Cornwall), who has a long and illustrious career in the industry. Starting as a child actor in the 1950s, she was a player in countless classics, including the first Superman movie (Superman and the Mole-Men), Cecil B. DeMille’s The Greatest Show on Earth (winner of Best Picture at the Academy Awards), the western Shane, and the iconic family film Old Yeller, to name but a few. As she grew, she took on more adult roles, including a memorable single episode turn as Lt. Arlene Galway in Star Trek and as one of the psychopathic siblings in the horror cult classic Spider Baby or, The Maddest Story Ever Told. When I turned the conversation to what one of her favourite films was, the first one she recommended was From Here to Eternity. To hear more of her suggestions, as well as countless reminiscences about her wonderfully rich career, watch the interview below.

Set in Hawaii during World War 2, From Here to Eternity follows two different stories, that of a newly transferred soldier (and talented bugle man) named Robert E. Lee Prewitt (Montgomery Clift) who struggles to deal with his new surroundings, while Sgt. Milton Warden (Burt Lancaster) becomes obsessed with his superior officer’s, Capt. Dana Holmes (Philip Ober), sultry wife Karen (Deborah Kerr).

Prewitt, a former boxer, is asked by Capt. Holmes to join the company boxing team – as he believes that the addition of such a talented chap would help earn them the title this year. The new soldier resists, as he has had to live with the anguish of blinding a former friend while in the ring. The rest of the team do not look lightly on his betrayal of their Captain’s request and they begin a campaign in which they attempt to break the man in wholly brutal ways. His only ally is his old pal Angelo Maggio (Frank Sinatra), a cool goof-ball who perhaps likes spirits a tad too much. The two stand tall against the oppressive tide, finally finding some solace at a private men’s night club, where they mingle with the sleek, sexy women who work inside. Prewitt falls head over heals for Lorene (Donna Reed), an extremely popular and fetching dame.

Maggio finds fault with Sgt. ‘Fatso’ Judson (Ernest Borgnine), who is ruining his vibe at the club by pounding away at the piano. The two continuously clash throughout the picture and things take an ominous turn when Maggio, frustrated after having his weekend pass revoked to guard the base, leaves his post and gets drunk. He is sentenced to six months in the stockade, where Judson holds a prominent position.

Meanwhile, Lorene gives Prewitt a key to her home. He is enamoured with the woman and finds comfort with her, away from the abuse at the base.

In the intersecting story, Sgt. Warden and Karen begin their forbidden love affair. Karen falls for the chiselled military man, tired of her husband’s constant philandering. The two make love on the beach in one of the most iconic love scenes in film history, yet there is an ominous overtone, as intense waves symbolize a rough and foreboding future. The secret couple try to enjoy their time around the island, yet must dodge ever watchful eyes from countless military men who are also enjoying their time away from the base. While on duty, Warden sees the awful treatment Prewitt is receiving and does his best to help him without jeopardizing his position.

After a shocking event occurs (that spurs an equally violent retribution), the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. Will love conquer all or will the unexpected blitzkrieg bring pain and death to the two couples at the centre of the tale?

From Here to Eternity was way ahead of its time. During the conservative era of Eisenhower, when McCarthyism was on the rise, the United States was in a war in Korea, and World War 2 still sat in the psyche of the American people, Zinnemann was amazingly able to bring forth a controversial tale of military abuse, forbidden love and prostitution. It highlighted the darker side of military life at a time when this sort of thing wasn’t shown.

What makes it truly stand out though, is that it is brilliantly executed. Its love affairs are realistic and torrid, the abuse that Prewitt resists feels utterly authentic, and the story flows in a wonderful way (that feels both surprising as well as predestined). At its heart are superb performances from each and every cast member. Clift’s honourable love for the military is difficult to watch – as we see the treatment he is getting from his fellow soldiers and superior officers. The clash between his love life and military life creates rich friction. Reed, though meant to be a bit of a hussy, is a good girl below her facade. She gives a complicated and nuanced performance. Sinatra is simply wonderful. Lancaster portrays a strong man who fears that if he becomes an officer, he may turn out just like the despicable Holmes. He finds love with Karen, but is similarly conflicted by his controversial actions. Kerr is equally as solid. We can see the pain that her facade of a marriage causes her as well as how difficult it is for her to fall for another man who she must open herself up to.

From Here to Eternity is, simply put, a classic. Beautifully written, wonderfully directed and featuring a superb cast of iconic actors, the film thrives at every level – still entertaining over sixty years later. So, take a stab at watching this memorable Oscar winning tale of love and war to see why projectionists were cutting out frames of the legendary beach scene as a memento – it will leave you hot and bothered.