From Here to Eternity

Jones' bulky book does such an honest job of storytelling that it triumphs over its pedestrian prose; the movie succeeds by the smooth efficiency of Fred Zinnemann's lean, intelligent direction, and by the superlative casting.

You will ask how closely this follows the events and rugged dialogue of the book. There are omissions, particularly of language, but the story changes have a stunning ring of truth to them.

It is the film of the year from its professional production to its smallest characterization. It has authority and style as well as an entertainment value for every filmgoing adult.

Way ahead of its time, From Here to Eternity overcomes a bloated plot with genuine boldness and emotion.