Fred Zimmerman directs this mood moving and thought provoking movie about a crude, bitter ex-GI Ken(Marlon Brando)and his attempts to re-adjust to life, knowing he will spend it in a wheelchair. Very intense material for Brando to sink his teeth into in his big screen debut. A sympathetic Dr. Brock(Everette Sloan) does his best to inspire him. He seems to relish laying in his VA hospital ward letting his attitude and feelings fester. In his depression, Ken even turns his back on his girlfriend Ellen(Teresa Wright), who is more than willing to stay by his side no matter what. This film is pretty strong, harsh and frank in its study of wounded war veterans. A definite eye opener for the 1950s. Also of note in the cast: Richard Erdman, Virginia Farmer, Jack Webb and Arthur Jurado. An intense beginning to an iconic movie career for Brando.
Review of The Men
