William Holden is Harry Brubaker, a Naval Reservist who had already served in WWII but who is called up for action in Korea. Not only is he war-weary, but he is resentful of having been called back to duty...he just longs to go home to his wife, Nancy (Grace Kelly), and their two young daughters; however he is also committed to fulfilling his duty as a Reserve officer, so he agrees to an extremely dangerous mission in which a group of American planes will fly over Korea and attempt to bomb some bridges that are very important to the North Koreans.
Before the mission gets underway, however, Admiral Terrant (Fredric March), who has a paternal fondness for Harry, allows him leave, to spend time with his wife and daughters. All too soon, though, Harry must bid goodbye to his family and take off on the bombing run. His anxiety level is high, and feeling as though he won't make it home alive, he begins a farewell letter to Nancy. Noticing Harry's jitteriness, his commander gives him an option to stay grounded, but Harry goes through with the mission.
As always, Bill Holden is great to look at....especially in the dress blues he wears while on leave in Tokyo early in the movie. Oh, and that smile of his!! Grace Kelly, always the epitome of elegance and beauty, is stunning, and her dresses are incredibly gorgeous. I, for one, wish we gals still wore dresses like that every day! Although Grace's part in the movie is fairly short, she was perfect in the role...and the chemistry between her and Holden was undeniable.
Mickey Rooney has some great comic relief moments. Also, there is a funny scene in a Japanese bath house where Harry takes Nancy and the girls. Because bathing there is nude, he had reserved the pool for his family. However, a Japanese family has also booked the pool, and it is quite comical to watch the American family try to maintain their modesty.
The lighthearted moments are few, though, and this IS a war movie...a realistic one at that. I have seen this film several times, and it never fails to move me. The acting of William Holden is beyond incredible. The way he brought Harry Brubaker to life was completely amazing; truly, Harry became very real to me. I could totally feel his resentment at having to serve again and his anxiety over the upcoming mission. I think William Holden had many spectacular performances, and this is definitely one of his very best. Oscar-worthy, in my opinion. (It is Holden's acting and the powerful, realistic ending that take this film from 4 to 5 stars for me.)
I don't know for sure if this is out on DVD, though I do believe it is on VHS. Also, TCM airs it on occasion. Definitely try to catch it. I think this film is an absolute must-see!
Happy viewing!!!