Hell to Eternity

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Hell to Eternity

Released Aug 1, 1960

2h 12m

War

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83%

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6 Reviews

44%

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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Michael E. Grost

Classic Film and Television

Powerful anti-war drama, with a unique point of view on Japanese-American relations.

Aug 9, 2007

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Steve D

Important story poorly told.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/16/23

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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

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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

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Audience Member

love old war movies I could only concentrator 1/4 of them

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

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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

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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

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Phil Karlson

Director

Jeffrey Hunter

Guy Gabaldon

David Janssen

Sgt. Bill Hazen

Vic Damone

Cpl. Pete Lewis

Patricia Owens

Sheila Lincoln

Richard Eyer

Guy, as a boy

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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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