Based on the novel by James Michener, The Bridges at Toko-Ri, was adapted to the screen by Valentine Davies.
It stars William Holden and Grace Kelly at the height of their appeal and popularity. (The two were romantically involved, while Holden was legally married).
Grade: B
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Theatrical release poster
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Holden, fresh off from winning an Oscar for “Stalag 17,” plays Harry Brubaker, a former military pilot who served in World War II. When he’s called back into duty during the Korean conflict, Brubaker is angry, believing he’s already served his country and needs to devote more time to his wife Nancy (Grace Kelly) and their children.
However, he accepts his commission and is sent back into action as a pilot, with a special assignment to blow up five strategically located bridges in Korea.
Mark Robson (“Peyton Place”) directed this intelligent drama, which focuses on the futility of war and its heavy price on domestic lives.
The film’s ambiguous attitude toward war was uncharacteristic of Hollywood movies of the 1950s, during the McCarthy era.
The supporting cast includes two-time Oscar-winner Frederic March as an admiral who respects the danger of Brubaker’s assignment, and Mickey Rooney as an ill-fated helicopter pilot.
The movie was very popular at the box office, solidifying the star stature of the relatively newcomer Grace Kelly, who had just won the Best Actress Oscar for The country Girl.
Already a star, Holden was at the peak of his career.
Oscar Context
The action sequences earned an Oscar Award for Special Effects, and the editing garnered a well deserved Oscar nomination.
My Oscar Book:
Credits
Running time: 103 Minutes.
Directed by Mark Robson
Screenplay by Valentine Davies, based on the novel by James A. Michener
Cast
William Holden as Lt. Hany Brubaker USNR
Grace Kelly as Nancy Brubaker
Fredric March as Rear Adm. George Tarran
Mickey Rooney as Mike Forney
Earl Holliman as Nestor Gamidge
Robert Strauss as Beer Barrel
Credits:
Directed by Mark Robson
Screenplay by Valentine Davies, story by James Michener
Produced by William Perlberg, George Seaton
Starring William Holden
Cinematography Loyal Griggs
Edited by Alma Macrorie
Music by Lyn Murray
Production companies: Perlberg-Seaton Productions; Paramount
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release dates: Dec 31, 1954, Canada; Jan 20, 1955, USA
Running time: 102 minutes
Box office $4.7 million (US/Canada)
