Cinema Revisited: Pride of the Marines (1945)

Directed by Delmer Daves. Cast: John Garfield, Eleanor Parker, Dane Clark, John Ridgely, Rosemary DeCamp, Ann Todd, Tom D'Andrea, Ann Doran. Released August 24, 1945. Running time: 120 minutes

So many films starring John Garfield feature such a magnificent performance from the actor, it is hard to pick out the one in which he does his best work. Was it his screen debut, "Four Daughters" or his final film, "He Ran All The Way"? It could have been "They Made Me a Criminal," "Body and Soul," Nobody Lives Forever," or many others.

It may very well be "Pride of the Marines," a powerful drama based on a true story, about Al Schmid an honest, self-aware, hardworking man who avoids relationships and balks at marriage, but meets a girl with whom he connects well. However, the bombing of Pearl Harbor inspires Al to enlist. He is blinded in battle and tries to rehabilitate and learn to live with his affliction with the help of the woman upon his being discharged.

Every aspect of this film works perfectly. The characters are developed in a manner that is alternately amusing and compelling. Garfield, as Al Schmid, is cocky and assured, but still likeable. His initially tumultuous date with Ruth (Eleanor Parker) develops into a romance that eschews schlock for snappy dialog, a penchant for wartime movies, especially at Warner Brothers. Their relationship's development is at a perfect spot when the film shifts to Al's enlistment. He proposes to Ruth on the station platform.

Following the true events of Al Schimd's life, the military scenes take place at the Battle of the Tenaru River on the Pacific island of Guadalcanal on August 21, 1942. Most of the marines are killed in the battle, but Schmid's crew manages to kill over 200 enemy soldiers. Schmid is blinded by a grenade blast. These scenes are a shift in action from the first third of the film, director Delmer Daves using quick edits and an effective succession of shots to convey the horror of battle and the triumph of the marines. The quiet scenes, bathed in darkness and making use of closeups, are especially effective. When Al is left alone to battle, Garfield's running dialog with himself adds an even greater intensity to the battle scene.

The final third is the most dramatically intense, with Schmid having to adjust to civilian life as a blind man. He resents relying on others, and while he is angered by his disability, he doesn't know how to confront and overcome it. An operation attempting to restore his sight fails. He doesn't believe he is worthy of Ruth's love, but with the help of his war buddy Lee Diamond (Dane Clark) she is able to convince him of her devotion.

Eleanor Parker is charming, amusing, and compelling in a challenging role where she must not only be striking and appealing, but emotionally affected and strong. Her character has to adapt to her husband's handicap, but also work through his insecurities about being worthy of her. It is a challenging role, and she rises to the occasion, offering one of her finest performances.

There is a scene in the military rehabilitation center where several veterans discuss going home and dealing with their various disabilities. One man says, "I'll probably go back and find that some Mexican has taken my job!" The camera reveals that, among the vets, is a disabled Latino soldier. The man apologizes, stating, "you're Mexican, but you're different." "No," the Latino man states, "I'm just like all the other Mexicans who fought." It is a very pointed scene, and while brief and not an organic part of the central narrative, it resonates even after the movie has concluded. Screenwriter Albert Maltz added this to his screenplay to make a statement. Sadly, he was soon blacklisted because of his progressive views. So was John Garfield, leading to his fatal heart attack in 1952 at the age of 39.

"Pride of the Marines" was an enormous hit for Warner Brothers both critically and commercially. Bosley Crowther of The New York Times called the film "a splendid documentation of a dramatic crisis in a hero's life," with performances that were "all unqualifiedly excellent. To say that this picture is entertaining to a truly surprising degree is an inadequate recommendation. It is inspiring and eloquent of a quality of human courage that millions must try to generate today." Variety called it "a two-hour celluloid saga which should inspire much pride for many. As an entertainment film with a forceful theme, so punchy that its 'message' aspects are negligible, it is a credit to all concerned."

The film was fairly expensive for the time, but its box office receipts tripled its production costs. It holds up as one of the best wartime dramas in American cinema, as well as one of John Garfield's career-great performances.

The real Al Schmid, who was awarded the Navy Cross, only lived to be 62 years old, his wife Ruth surviving him by 20 years. Both are buried at Arlington National Cemetery.