From Here to Eternity

Everyone is familiar with the classic image of two lovers passionately kissing and rolling around on a beach. The waves crash around them and their passion is so fevered that not even the elements can interrupt their embrace. What people are not as familiar with is the origin of this classic cinematic moment, Fred Zinnemann's From Here to Eternity.

Based on the James Jones novel with the same name, the movie follows the men of the Schofield Barracks on Oahu as they alternate between professional and personal life in the weeks leading up to the bombing of Pearl Harbor. The previously mentioned love scene features Burt Lancaster (All My Sons, Judgment at Nuremburg) as 1st Sgt. Milton Warden — just Warden to his men — and his paramour, played by Deborah Kerr (An Affair to Remember, The King and I), the wife of his commanding officer.

Private Robert E. Lee Pruitt, portrayed by Montgomery Clift (The Misfits, The Defector), is newly transferred into the regiment. The company is known for their boxing team, and Pruitt is especially well known for being a highly skilled pugilist. Though he has no desire to fight again, he is harassed by his superiors into joining their team. To blow off steam, his friend takes him to a local "social" club where he meets Lorene (Donna Reed), a professional "hostess" (changed from prostitute as described in the book, to protect the integrity of the U.S. Army). Though Lorene is not allowed to give all her attention to just one man, it is the one thing Pruitt truly desires and — despite the consequences — he demands it.

This is a thoroughly American tale of how jealousy, love, prejudice, integrity and fate all intertwine in the pursuit of happiness. Besides Lancaster, Kerr, Clift and Reed, the ensemble cast also includes Frank Sinatra (who won an Oscar for his supporting role), and Ernest Borgnine (The Wild Bunch, The Poseidon Adventure). Released in 1953, From Here to Eternity won eight Oscars total. So next time you want to make it a movie night and you find all the current releases derivative, give this movie a try for a fraction of the cost of going to the cineplex.