This was Paul Newman's third movie. His first, THE SILVER CHALICE, he later described as one of the worst movies ever made. His second, SOMEBODY UP THERE LIKES ME was an excellent film and finally gave Newman some recognition, but some people must have thought that his success could have been a fluke--especially after his first film. However, his excellent and relatively restrained performance in THE RACK helped him be a genuine star.
The film begins with Newman and other soldiers returning from North Korean prisons after the war. At first, his father the Colonel (Walter Pidgeon) is ecstatic to see his return, but this revelry comes to a halt when just a short time later Newman is up on charges at a court martial for being a collaborator. How much he assisted his captors, what they did to break him and what demons Newman was struggling with make this all a very interesting and unusual. So unusual, in fact, that you have to admire the producers and writer (Rod Serling) for taking a bit of a risk.
The acting is exceptional as are the writing. About the only potentially disappointing aspect of the film is the ending. While I didn't mind how ambiguous it was, I am sure many will feel disappointed that the film seems to end prematurely. Still, it's an excellent film and well worth your time.
The film begins with Newman and other soldiers returning from North Korean prisons after the war. At first, his father the Colonel (Walter Pidgeon) is ecstatic to see his return, but this revelry comes to a halt when just a short time later Newman is up on charges at a court martial for being a collaborator. How much he assisted his captors, what they did to break him and what demons Newman was struggling with make this all a very interesting and unusual. So unusual, in fact, that you have to admire the producers and writer (Rod Serling) for taking a bit of a risk.
The acting is exceptional as are the writing. About the only potentially disappointing aspect of the film is the ending. While I didn't mind how ambiguous it was, I am sure many will feel disappointed that the film seems to end prematurely. Still, it's an excellent film and well worth your time.