Between Heaven and Hell (1956)

A Thinking Man's War Movie

One thing I have learned about reviewing movies is to keep in mind the level of enjoyment experienced, relative to the film and the story it relates. There are numerous very enjoyable, very good films out there that are not remotely Oscar winners, or even artistic successes. This is one of them.

This is what I would call a "thinking man's war film," in that it involves much more than combat action sequences by the score. There are social and behavioral issues at play in this story that when combined, truly contribute to a very good film. Even the "flashbacks" have a way of breaking up the narration in positive ways, to include one's perception of others, based on "class" or position in society. The film sends a clear message that despite the fact we come from different strata of society, we are basically put together the same way. In this film, Robert Wagner undergoes a developmental process that will not only affect his performance on the battlefield, but as a "man" when he returns to the absolutely stunning Terry Moore at the war's end.

The casting for the film is excellent, from Wagner to Buddy Ebsen, Broderick Crawford, Moore, and the various soldiers portrayed. The battle scenes are quite good, and are focused more on individual qualities than on graphic battle sequences. While this may not be a Five Star production, it is well worth owning, and definitely earns Four Stars. June 11, 2008

Nothing depresses or disheartens the blood of a soldier on the battle field more than the sudden sharp sound of a rifle shot and

Gifford (Robert Wagner) plays a Southern landowner who treats his croppers badly... His beautiful wife Jenny (Terry Moore) just saw a side of him she never saw before... Gifford argues that Jenny has just seen his business side... But Gifford only came to realize the error of his rude ways when he was called to active duty and put among the troops in the Pacific theater in World War II...

The film opens with Gifford reassigned to a company posted up in the hills, a very isolated area under the command of a fanatical and probably queer army captain called Waco (Broderick Crawford).

With brief flashbacks, we discover that Gifford holds a well-earned Silver Star but one day, his emotions became dominant and his self-control completely lost when he assaults an officer in combat nearly killing him...

The attempt of Gifford-- seen to get a little shaky in combat--to master danger as far as to walk right along with the enemy, or not to leave the island without saving a wounded pal, hit the core of what must have happened on battlefields in World War II...

Aside from a beachhead landing and a final battle with the Japanese, Fleisher's film shockingly touches on the US officers martyred at the hands of Japanese snipers...

December 17, 2006

Good WWII flick

This is a good 50's era Cinemascope war film about a National Guardsman's harrowing experience after his "deep South" unit is mobilized in WWII, and sent into action during the Pacific campaign. Great cast, including Robert Wagner, Buddy Ebsen, and Broderick Crawford. August 28, 2006

WRONG INFO?

THE FIRST REVIEWER CALLED THIS A VHS BUT IF I READ CORRECTLY THE REVIEW SHOULD BE ABOUT A DVD NOT VHS. I READ REVIEWS FOR INFO WHICH MANY TIMES INFLUENCES MY PURCHASE. OH WELL!!!!!!!!!!! August 27, 2006

The Cinematography is quite spectacular!!

I recall watching this movie on color TV in 1969 and being impressed with the visual awe within the story itself. Flashbacks are the basic form of narration. Pay attention and be prepared to watch it a few times to soak it up. This one stands alongside the well-presented WWII films of the 1950's like Battle Cry and The Naked and The Dead, though somewhat flatter in tone. April 10, 2006

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