From Here to Eternity

Black and white, 35 mm
USA, 1953, 118 min
Section: Treasures from the Film Archives

Synopsis

One of the most celebrated films of all time (eight Oscars), this stirring drama was praised at the time of its release for its realistic portrayal of conditions in the U.S. Army. Montgomery Clift, Burt Lancaster, Frank Sinatra, and Deborah Kerr shine as the protagonists of a story whose destinies come together at a Hawaiian army base on the eve of Japan’s 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. Thanks to Sony Columbia, audiences at the KVIFF will be able to see this movie spectacular in its newly restored splendor. The starting point for the recent restoration work was the oldest surviving element for the film, a second generation master positive. Fundamental restoration work, led by expert restorer Grover Crisp, involved correcting defects printed into the master positive, as well as damage incurred over the course of time.

About the director

Fred Zinnemann (1907–1997). Born in Vienna, the future director became fascinated with film while studying law. Along with Billy Wilder and Robert Siodmak, he worked on the prewar German film People on Sunday (1929), but then left for the United States to study movie-making. He made his name as a director with the 1944 drama The Seventh Cross starring Spencer Tracy. During his 60-year career, he shot over 20 features in a variety of genres and won four Academy Awards, although he is perhaps best remembered for the seminal western High Noon (1952). Zinnemann, who always prided himself on his realistic approach and authenticity, became renowned for his absorbing stories of loners whose moral integrity is tested by tragedy. Other films include From Here to Eternity (1953), The Nun’s Story (1958), A Man for All Seasons (1966), and Julia (1977).