Ken (Marlon Brando) gets shot in the back during the war leaving him paralyzed. It's been a year and he is still struggling to accept it. The blunt Dr. Brock (Everett Sloane) leads the doctors in the hospital. Ken's spirit is slowly lifted by his fellow patients. Ellen (Teresa Wright) is Ken's faithful fiancée.
The subject is admirable and timely for the era. It's also Brando's first theatrical performance. The thing is that he's already a great actor. He's able to project emotions even when he's lying flat on the bed. His capabilities are there for all to see. This is a basic melodrama. It's very solid. I would like fewer patients so the characters have room to spread their wings. The mass of people can be hard to distinguish lacking greater depths to their characters. It also sucks up a lot of time and tension for expositions. Overall, this is a must-see even if it's simply for Brando.
The subject is admirable and timely for the era. It's also Brando's first theatrical performance. The thing is that he's already a great actor. He's able to project emotions even when he's lying flat on the bed. His capabilities are there for all to see. This is a basic melodrama. It's very solid. I would like fewer patients so the characters have room to spread their wings. The mass of people can be hard to distinguish lacking greater depths to their characters. It also sucks up a lot of time and tension for expositions. Overall, this is a must-see even if it's simply for Brando.