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Blu Ray review: Bright Victory


Arthur Kennedy turns in probably the finest performance of his long, illustrious career in Bright Victory, which has been released on blu ray by Kino Lorber.


Kennedy plays Sergeant Larry Nivens who his blinded by sniper fire during World War Two. He is sent to convalesce at an army hospital with other blinded veterans who help each other adjust. Kennedy goes through all of the levels of emotion in dealing with his sudden blindness, but the film also shows him responding to the others and learning to live as a blind man.


While much of the drama is to be expected, Bright Victory goes further by having Nivens befriend another blinded veteran in the hospital, not realizing the man is Black, and casually letting out a racial slur, which upsets the man (James Edwards) and the others in the hospital. Nivens not only learns to adjust as a blind man, he also learns that his blindness goes beyond his sight.


Arthur Kennedy was nominated for an Oscar as Best Actor (losing to Humphrey Bogart for The African Queen). He reportedly wore black contact lenses for the role.

This fascinating drama, written by Rober Buckner based on Baynard Kendrick’s book Lights Out, was released only a half-dozen years after the end of WW2. Thus, the plight of veterans was close to the hearts and minds of moviegoers, making the film even more impactful. Actual blinded veterans were used as extras, and they helped the actors play the role convincingly. The cast includes such notables as Peggy Dow, Julie Adams, Jim Backus, Will Geer, Murray Hamilton, and Minor Watson.


Director Mark Robson had directed Arthur Kennedy a few years earlier in Champion, in which co-starred Kirk Douglas, and the actor responds well to the director. The scene where he reveals his blindess to his mother (over the phone) is especially powerful. But what is most significant is how Kennedy is able to balance gruffness and acceptance that weave in and out; his frustration underlying even his triumphs.


Kino’s blu ray is from a new 2K master and features an enlightening and interesting audio commentary from film historian Gary Gerani.


It is available at this link: BRIGHT VICTORY



James L. Neibaur
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