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      The Outsider

      1961 1h 48m Biography List
      Reviews 69% 50+ Ratings Audience Score This biopic tells the story of Ira Hayes (Tony Curtis), a Pima Native American who helped lift the American flag over Iwo Jima, Japan. After enlisting in the Marines, Hayes suffers prejudice among his fellow soldiers but finds a friend in Jim Sorenson (James Franciscus). Both are immortalized in the famous World War II photo, but Sorenson is killed shortly after it is taken. When he returns to America, Hayes is greeted as a hero but suffers from survivor's guilt that drives him to alcoholism. Read More Read Less

      Audience Reviews

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      SICKS6SIX Tony Curtis is one actor who isn't near the top of my list, mainly because of that awful 1970s TV series THE PERSUADERS with Roger Moore, the films he was offered then were just as bad if not worse (if possible) so The Outsider was a welcome change, a young Curtis plays the lead in this biog of a Native American war hero who drinks himself to death in ten years after the end of WW2. (DOD 1955) it's dark, gritty, and real, some of Curtis's acting is some of the best he ever did IMO. well worth watching for the story which was news to me, how the Red Indian suffered during and after WW2, eventually succumbing to drink and a miserable death, he was buried with full military honours as he was the most decorated Native American during WW2 and lifted the flag on Iwa-Jima, that's him in the photo, the guy who isn't black or white ! i score the film a solid 75% Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 08/31/22 Full Review Ken R This version of the story of Ira Hayes was certainly an uncommon movie for Hollywood in 1961. It was also somewhat uncommon for pretty boy Tony Curtis to play such a downbeat and totally sympathetic character. Curtis proved here that he was a first-class actor who could turn in well-rounded performances - displaying a wide range of human emotions. While it could be said the script took some liberties with certain aspects of the facts (but don't they all) it fairly well represents a reasonable outline of this tragic man's life and the dangers of propaganda 'Hero' worship. Fine direction, cinematography and production values maintain the sombre atmosphere needed to bring this realistic drama to vivid life. The public doesn't seem to take very well to stories that tell it like it sadly can be for some - so this classic disappeared and rarely surfaced following its initial release. With many above average elements making up this compelling story, it's worth finding on DVD to see this rare, almost overlooked mini-masterpiece. The theatrical trailer of the day was one of the few commercial promos that gave audiences an accurate introduction to the power of the story it was selling - that's also rare & commendable (but still sadly did not help it at the box office) Don't be distracted by Curtis playing a Pima Indian he carries the role admirably and there were very few performers of the day who could have done better. KenR Rated 4 out of 5 stars 05/27/18 Full Review Audience Member good combo bio-pic and WWII pic post WWII Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Tony Curtis received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Ira Hayes. I was a teen when I saw this and have never forgotten this film. I'm glad to see that it is available. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Audience Member Good depiction of the life of Ira Hamilton Hayes, the native American who was one of the six marines who famously raised the US flag on Iwo Jima in WW2. Having already seen Clint Eastwood's "Flags of Our Fathers", I knew the basic story of Hayes. There is much more depth here, as Flags of Our Fathers covered the lives of three marines, not just Hayes. Plot and direction are solid. Director Delbert Mann does overdo some of the detail though, and the movie does drift occasionally. Tony Curtis is good in the lead role, though he maybe overdoes the country-bumpkin persona, making Hayes look like Forrest Gump, to a degree. It comes across as a bit patronising. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Audience Member Okay, so Tony Curtis's thick New York accent really drives home the fact that he's not Native, haha... but his sincerity in playing this role, and the multi-faceted emotions that he portrays, were truly moving- and that was enough for me to believe his character. I think he did a great job, giving a truly heartfelt and emotional performance; and this was a very good film. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/10/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      The Outsider

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis This biopic tells the story of Ira Hayes (Tony Curtis), a Pima Native American who helped lift the American flag over Iwo Jima, Japan. After enlisting in the Marines, Hayes suffers prejudice among his fellow soldiers but finds a friend in Jim Sorenson (James Franciscus). Both are immortalized in the famous World War II photo, but Sorenson is killed shortly after it is taken. When he returns to America, Hayes is greeted as a hero but suffers from survivor's guilt that drives him to alcoholism.
      Director
      Delbert Mann
      Screenwriter
      William Bradford Huie, Stewart Stern
      Production Co
      Universal International Pictures
      Genre
      Biography
      Original Language
      English
      Runtime
      1h 48m