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Hell to Eternity

Play trailer Poster for Hell to Eternity Released Aug 1, 1960 2h 12m War Play Trailer Watchlist
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83% Tomatometer 6 Reviews 44% Popcornmeter 100+ Ratings
Guy Gabaldon (Jeffrey Hunter) is an orphaned Latino youth raised in Los Angeles by an adoptive Japanese-American family. With the dawn of conflict in the Pacific, Gabaldon enlists in the military as a translator. Fighting in the Battle of Saipan, he's horrified at the carnage. So, disobeying orders, he goes behind enemy lines and talks the Japanese into willful surrender, saving thousands of lives on both sides. The film is based on the true story of the decorated World War II veteran.
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Hell to Eternity

Critics Reviews

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Mae Tinee Chicago Tribune The film is handled with a fair amount of sensitivity, which frequently saves it from going overboard and the cast Is a capable one, led by Jeff Hunter. However, the picture is almost stolen by an appealing, elderly woman, playing mama Une. Jun 18, 2020 Full Review Howard Thompson New York Times [It's] no great, soaring World War II drama. But as a sturdy anti-war sermon, trimly told and performed with realistic compassion, this medium-sized picture is tough, thoughtful and, especially in one extended battle sequence, tingling. Feb 7, 2020 Full Review Fred Taomae Shin Nichibei/New Japanese American News Although the film ran for two hours and twelve minutes, it did not seem that long as suspense was carried throughout. Feb 7, 2020 Full Review Clyde Gilmour Maclean's Magazine Though evidently based on fact, the martial exploits of the soldier hero (Jeffrey Hunter) are difficult to believe. The story, however, has some unhackneyed elements that deserve attention... Oct 23, 2019 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Earns its stripes by painting the Japanese-Americans during World War II in a positive light and for its relentless attack against racism. Rated: B- May 27, 2014 Full Review Michael E. Grost Classic Film and Television Powerful anti-war drama, with a unique point of view on Japanese-American relations. Aug 9, 2007 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Steve D Important story poorly told. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/16/23 Full Review Rebecca M This is a sensitive portrayal of Japanese American internment, the Nissei and the horrifying choices that must be made in war. It was unlike any other WWII movie I have seen. I am sad that Hollywood didn't have the courage to choose a Hispanic actor for the lead role, as this is a true story and the real protagonist was Hispanic. The biggest travesty is the film's treatment of war-time women later in the movie who are stereotypically portrayed as "iron petticoats" or strippers. Only female family members were treated respectfully earlier in the movie. I imagine the nauseating and tedious sexualization of the drinking episode was Hollywood's idea. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 02/14/23 Full Review Lowtoner C A biopic about an awesome act of bravery, with a great outcome. For which the actual hero, Guy Louis Gabaldon (portrayed by an Anglo American), received only a Silver Star in 1944 (upgraded to a Navy Cross in 1960, which coincides with the film's release) - it should have been the Congressional Medal of Honor from the onset. Rated 1 out of 5 stars 01/08/23 Full Review Audience Member love old war movies I could only concentrator 1/4 of them Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Audience Member War drama with plenty of merit, but never really attempts to emphasise its message. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/06/23 Full Review Audience Member A touching story, especially for a war movie. The hero is an interesting mix of red-blooded soldier and a tender heart. The portrayal seems realistic especially compared to some other movies of that era. It also has some nuanced treatment of the moral questions around the existence of Japanese internment camps at the same time that many of Japanese descent were also patriotic Americans and even servicemen. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/11/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Hell to Eternity

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Hell to Eternity

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Movie Info

Synopsis Guy Gabaldon (Jeffrey Hunter) is an orphaned Latino youth raised in Los Angeles by an adoptive Japanese-American family. With the dawn of conflict in the Pacific, Gabaldon enlists in the military as a translator. Fighting in the Battle of Saipan, he's horrified at the carnage. So, disobeying orders, he goes behind enemy lines and talks the Japanese into willful surrender, saving thousands of lives on both sides. The film is based on the true story of the decorated World War II veteran.
Director
Phil Karlson
Producer
Irving H. Levin
Screenwriter
Ted Sherdeman, Walter Roeber Schmidt
Production Co
Allied Artists, Atlantic Pictures
Genre
War
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Aug 1, 1960, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
May 23, 2016
Runtime
2h 12m
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