A phenomenal movie where Tony Curtis proved what a great actor he has been with the versatile roles he has done.
The make-up artist who had Curtis made up to look like an American-Indian did a phenomenal job.
Curtis gives a standout performance as the American-Indian who could not cope with notoriety when he and his buddy helped raise the American flag in that famous picture at Iwo Jima.
The picture is sad from the beginning. While in boot camp, Curtis lies to the folks back home in Arizona while writing them that he is one of the guys. Truth is he is shunned by nearly all and is given a very hard time by the drill sergeant. Yes, prejudice was alive and well in the U.S. Army.
Unable to cope with his fame, Hayes (Curtis) resorts to drinking and this affects him badly on the bond tour that he and the other survivors are sent on. What a poignant scene when he meets the mothers of those soldiers on the portrait who did not survive the war.
Amazing that the army would allow him to continue on the tour while he is boozing it up. Bruce Bennett, as the General, who finally sent him back to combat, is miscast here. He lacked the toughness needed for such a part.
There is a wonderful, brief supporting performance by James Franciscus, a soldier who befriended Hayes after fighting him. When the two are called to a meeting and the Franciscus character is killed, his death sets the motion of Hayes's downward spiral.
This is the story of a plain person who could not cope with fame. He saw it as hypocrisy as he felt that he was never a hero to begin with.
While the tragic ending was made for Hollywood consideration, the story is one of failure of the human spirit to adapt to what happens to one.
This was one of Tony Curtis's best performances and am amazed that he wasn't Oscar nominated for this.
The make-up artist who had Curtis made up to look like an American-Indian did a phenomenal job.
Curtis gives a standout performance as the American-Indian who could not cope with notoriety when he and his buddy helped raise the American flag in that famous picture at Iwo Jima.
The picture is sad from the beginning. While in boot camp, Curtis lies to the folks back home in Arizona while writing them that he is one of the guys. Truth is he is shunned by nearly all and is given a very hard time by the drill sergeant. Yes, prejudice was alive and well in the U.S. Army.
Unable to cope with his fame, Hayes (Curtis) resorts to drinking and this affects him badly on the bond tour that he and the other survivors are sent on. What a poignant scene when he meets the mothers of those soldiers on the portrait who did not survive the war.
Amazing that the army would allow him to continue on the tour while he is boozing it up. Bruce Bennett, as the General, who finally sent him back to combat, is miscast here. He lacked the toughness needed for such a part.
There is a wonderful, brief supporting performance by James Franciscus, a soldier who befriended Hayes after fighting him. When the two are called to a meeting and the Franciscus character is killed, his death sets the motion of Hayes's downward spiral.
This is the story of a plain person who could not cope with fame. He saw it as hypocrisy as he felt that he was never a hero to begin with.
While the tragic ending was made for Hollywood consideration, the story is one of failure of the human spirit to adapt to what happens to one.
This was one of Tony Curtis's best performances and am amazed that he wasn't Oscar nominated for this.