When this company acquired the film rights to James Jones' best selling novel, widespread were the conjectures as to whether, after elimination of the four-letter words and the daring approach to sex, enough would be left to make a good picture. Such doubts are resoundingly banished in the finished product -- not only a good movie, but a great one. Puritanical indeed will be the critic or spectator who finds the film offensive, due largely to brilliant scripting, excellent direction by Fred Zinnemann, tasteful production guidance by Buddy Adler and magnificent performances by a star-studded, marquee-magnetic cast. Considering the popularity of the Jones tome and the potent exploitation possibilities inherent in the picture, plus the inevitable enthusiastic word-of-mouth reaction, there is virtually no ceiling on the business that can be expected in all bookings. It will be a strong contender for honors among 1953's "bests."

THE STORY:
Transferring into an infantry company in Honolulu in 1941, before the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Montgomery Clift, a non-conformist, immediately runs into trouble, despite the advice of Burt Lancaster, the first sergeant, who knows a smart soldier never tries to buck the system. Lancaster is in love with Deborah Kerr, wife of Philip Ober, the company commander, who hates her husband because of his cruelty and infidelity. Clift falls in love with Donna Reed, hostess in a dubious Honolulu nightspot. When a sadistic bully kills a soldier, Clift whips him in a fist fight; as a result, Ober's treatment of his men is revealed and he is compelled to resign. Clift kills the bully in a knife battle. When the Japs attack, Clift -- trying to return to his company -- is shot by mistake. Donna and Deborah, disillusioned and unhappy, return to the U.S.   

CATCHLINES:
The Most Talked-About Novel of Our Times... Become the Most Provocative Motion Picture in Screen History... Don't Miss This Dynamic Masterpiece... An Entertainment Must. Columbia 118 mins.