MARK ROBSON

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBB.5. 

USA, 1954.  Perlberg-Seaton Productions.  Screenplay by Valentine Davies, based on the novel by James A. Michener.  Cinematography by Loyal Griggs.  Produced by William Perlberg, George Seaton.  Music by Lyn Murray.  Production Design by Henry Bumstead, Hal Pereira.  Costume Design by Edith Head.  Film Editing by Alma Macrorie.  

One of the first big-budget anti-war movies. William Holden is a soldier in Korea who begins to question the futility of American involvement in their civil war when, as part of an aircraft-carrier force, he is assigned to fly over the country and bomb bridges that have been strategically chosen for them. The job is a highly dangerous one, and considering his lackluster attitude towards even being involved in the war, it’s a struggle for Holden to decide just how hard he wants to try. Grace Kelly has an excellent supporting role in this fantastic drama that wasn’t very successful at the time of its release thanks to its not having a gung-ho attitude about battle, but it has now resurfaced as one of the most realistic war movies from its time period.

Academy Award:  Best Special Effects
Nomination: Best Film Editing