This is an excellent war movie based on a true story. The action is great, and the characters very identifiable. There is one really mean character, but his character does ring true for the times, and he reveals a prejudice that was present. In fact, as a historical adventure based on true events, certain liberties are taken to show higher truths. That is what this movie does. Characters will often be composites to show the events in a condensed version. Otherwise, the movie would be forty hours long. This movie centralizes on Tweed and four other Americans trying to escape occupied Japanese territory. They are aided by natives, and that is what the movie is about. Modern audiences won't like the fact that Tweed is a likable character. One of the advantages of older movies is that they didn't present all lead characters as ridiculous stereotypes and homicidal maniacs. Also, some puritans insist that every action be historically beyond doubt. To read some of the reviews here, you would think that they couldn't show Tweed eating rice without having a receipt for the rice in the Smithsonian Institute. Just enjoy a well done movie with great actors. Remember, who did the studio get to play the son of God in a later movie?
12 Reviews
Great "story" but plays loose with many facts
jeven21 February 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I gave this film a 7 because it is still a great story about WWII on Guam. Having lived on Guam for 21 years I have known several of the people in the film and their families. Several have gone on to influential positions on Guam. The families are still there and are still prominent such as the Artero's, Nakumura's, Tanaka's, Perez' and more. There is a high school named for Father Duenas. George Tweed, who I had an opportunity to interview over the phone, remains a controversial character to this day. (Mr. Tweed was killed in a auto accident in 1989) Many feel that he cost the lives of many Chamorro's who helped him and that he was somewhat cavalier in his behavior while hiding out on Guam. It is a shame that the film was not shot on Guam and had Filipino's portraying Chamorro's but Guam's lack of film studios to run dailies and rushes along with it's military status in the early '60's is the reason, I'm sure. Tweed had no love interest on Guam as far as we know. There are no scorpions on Guam. The language being spoken by the Chamorro's is Tagolog (a Filipino dialect)and not the native Chamorro language. However, all this being said, it is still an enjoyable film that pays great respect to Mr. Tweed and the many, many loyal Chamorro's who helped him and eagerly awaited the liberation of their homeland by the Americans.
Connectivity To An Island
Lechuguilla14 June 2014
George Tweed (Jeffrey Hunter) is an American Navy man scheduled to leave the Pacific island of Guam and return to the U.S on December 7, 1941. But that's the day that Japanese planes bomb Pear Harbor. And Guam is now under surprise attack as well. Tweed and four of his Navy buddies have a choice. They can surrender to the enemy on Guam, or they can make a run for it. They decide to run. Not all of them survive.
The title "No Man Is An Island" refers to a poem by English poet John Donne. The idea is that each person is connected to his or her surroundings. In the case of Tweed and his buddies, this connectivity comes in the form of substantial help they receive from Guam natives, sympathetic to Americans. And not all helpers are adults; some are children. This assistance, which comes with great sacrifice, is basically the theme of the film.
Except for the Japanese enemy, most of the characters are likable, including Tweed. And his story on Guam is one of drama and adventure, as he draws on his own inner resourcefulness and courage to survive, to augment the help from others. I also like the Mrs. Nakamura character (Chichay), a native Asian woman, small in stature, but with a big heart. She is shrewd and spunky, as she endures the idiocy of those around her.
Cinematography is acceptable for the era in which the film was made, but suffers in comparison to modern films. The use of day for night camera filters is obvious. And stock war footage, especially near the beginning and at the end, convey a cheap look and feel. Background music is annoying as it is so nondescript. Casting and acting are acceptable.
The film is based on a true story. Whether all the plot points are historically accurate or some script liberties have been taken, I don't know. What I do know is that if it had not been for this film, I would have no idea that George Tweed ever existed. I'm glad that the film is available for viewing. "No Man Is An Island" is a fine WWII film that deserves to be seen by anyone interested in that historical era.
The title "No Man Is An Island" refers to a poem by English poet John Donne. The idea is that each person is connected to his or her surroundings. In the case of Tweed and his buddies, this connectivity comes in the form of substantial help they receive from Guam natives, sympathetic to Americans. And not all helpers are adults; some are children. This assistance, which comes with great sacrifice, is basically the theme of the film.
Except for the Japanese enemy, most of the characters are likable, including Tweed. And his story on Guam is one of drama and adventure, as he draws on his own inner resourcefulness and courage to survive, to augment the help from others. I also like the Mrs. Nakamura character (Chichay), a native Asian woman, small in stature, but with a big heart. She is shrewd and spunky, as she endures the idiocy of those around her.
Cinematography is acceptable for the era in which the film was made, but suffers in comparison to modern films. The use of day for night camera filters is obvious. And stock war footage, especially near the beginning and at the end, convey a cheap look and feel. Background music is annoying as it is so nondescript. Casting and acting are acceptable.
The film is based on a true story. Whether all the plot points are historically accurate or some script liberties have been taken, I don't know. What I do know is that if it had not been for this film, I would have no idea that George Tweed ever existed. I'm glad that the film is available for viewing. "No Man Is An Island" is a fine WWII film that deserves to be seen by anyone interested in that historical era.
Jeffrey Hunter is top-notch as the only U.S. soldier on Guam not captured by the Japanese forces.
ma-cortes29 August 2020
During the early Pacific war years , the Japanese invade island of Guam , as seaman Tweed and his colleagues attempt to escape . Little by little the American seaman named George Tweed : Jeffrey Hunter , becomes the only serviceman living in Guam and being mercilessly pursued by the Japanese during the early years of World War II . He is befriended by some of the islanders and assisting him in the evading and traveling to a secure place . Step by step he saves his life and remains in hiding there until the US Navy goes back providing information enough about bases and gun locations .
This classic warlike movie based on the true story of George Tweed, an American sailor , well played by Jeffrey Hunter , who became the only serviceman on the island of Guam to avoid his capture and along the way delivering targets to an American destroyer when it approaches by contacting them to warn them of shore artillery . This soldier was nicely starred by Jeffrey Hunter at one of his best and unknown roles as a two-fisted soldier George Tweed , an American Sailor from Minneapolis stationed on Pre-war Guam at a radio relay station , he's well accompanied by a plethora of sympathetic secondaries , all of them form the small group of charming actors endeavouring to flee from cruel Japanese army . Stirring actioner/drama warfare completed with slice of military stereotypes although some characters are very one-dimensional . Adding a romantic relationship developing between Tweed/Hunter and the daughter of his benefactor , the attractive Barbara Perez . This agreeable wartime saga results to be a a good film dealing with war in human terms . Here directors have a sensitive handling of actors and provide an exact compositional sense . Two filmmakers handle in all -especially human relation scenes as well as battle set pieces - with flair play and vigour . There is a fair bit of flag-waving and patriotism , but that was just what was needed when the picture was made . It may not be an awesome film , but this is a sensitive and well made war epic . This colorful movie contains action , breathtaking battles , thrills , historical events , romance , and the battle scenes are impressively made with special mention at the end as our starring is besieged on the beach while attempting to be taken aboard ship . Stalwart main cast , Jeffrey Hunter along with a minor acting by Marshall Thompson , both of whom provide splendid interpretations . Being stunningly supported by a large plethora of Philippine actors , mainly the beautiful eye-catching Barbara Perez , Ronald Remy , among others , and all the Philippine supporting actors spoke Tagalog rather than Chamorro . The film is set into a lush , abundant jungle , shot entirely in the Philippines, with nice cinematography in technicolor by Carl Kayser , though a perfect remastering being extremely necessary. The film though set in Guam was completely filmed in Tamaraw Studios, Metro Manila, Philippines and Universal Studios 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California . Being freely based on the 1945 book "Robinson Crusoe, USN" by George Ray Tweed and script by Richard Goldstone and John Monks Jr. who produced and directed , as well. This filmmakers were notorious producers and writers , though directed a few movies .
This ¨No man in an island¨ is one of a handful of feature films that have featured the story of the World War II , set in Philippines or others Pacific Islands , many of them revolving Battle of Bataan or dealing with American soldiers supporting native Guerrillas , they include as follows : ¨Bataan¨ (1943) by Tay Garnett with Robert Taylor , ¨So proudly we hail ¡¨ by Mark Sandrich (1943) , ¨They were expendable¨ (1945) by John Ford with John Wayne , ¨Back to Bataan¨(1945) by Edward Dmytryck with John Wayne , Anthony Quinn , Beulah Bondi and ¨American Guerrilla in Philippines¨ (1950) by Fritz Lang with Tyrone Power , Micheline Presle , Robert Patten, Tom Ewell .
This classic warlike movie based on the true story of George Tweed, an American sailor , well played by Jeffrey Hunter , who became the only serviceman on the island of Guam to avoid his capture and along the way delivering targets to an American destroyer when it approaches by contacting them to warn them of shore artillery . This soldier was nicely starred by Jeffrey Hunter at one of his best and unknown roles as a two-fisted soldier George Tweed , an American Sailor from Minneapolis stationed on Pre-war Guam at a radio relay station , he's well accompanied by a plethora of sympathetic secondaries , all of them form the small group of charming actors endeavouring to flee from cruel Japanese army . Stirring actioner/drama warfare completed with slice of military stereotypes although some characters are very one-dimensional . Adding a romantic relationship developing between Tweed/Hunter and the daughter of his benefactor , the attractive Barbara Perez . This agreeable wartime saga results to be a a good film dealing with war in human terms . Here directors have a sensitive handling of actors and provide an exact compositional sense . Two filmmakers handle in all -especially human relation scenes as well as battle set pieces - with flair play and vigour . There is a fair bit of flag-waving and patriotism , but that was just what was needed when the picture was made . It may not be an awesome film , but this is a sensitive and well made war epic . This colorful movie contains action , breathtaking battles , thrills , historical events , romance , and the battle scenes are impressively made with special mention at the end as our starring is besieged on the beach while attempting to be taken aboard ship . Stalwart main cast , Jeffrey Hunter along with a minor acting by Marshall Thompson , both of whom provide splendid interpretations . Being stunningly supported by a large plethora of Philippine actors , mainly the beautiful eye-catching Barbara Perez , Ronald Remy , among others , and all the Philippine supporting actors spoke Tagalog rather than Chamorro . The film is set into a lush , abundant jungle , shot entirely in the Philippines, with nice cinematography in technicolor by Carl Kayser , though a perfect remastering being extremely necessary. The film though set in Guam was completely filmed in Tamaraw Studios, Metro Manila, Philippines and Universal Studios 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California . Being freely based on the 1945 book "Robinson Crusoe, USN" by George Ray Tweed and script by Richard Goldstone and John Monks Jr. who produced and directed , as well. This filmmakers were notorious producers and writers , though directed a few movies .
This ¨No man in an island¨ is one of a handful of feature films that have featured the story of the World War II , set in Philippines or others Pacific Islands , many of them revolving Battle of Bataan or dealing with American soldiers supporting native Guerrillas , they include as follows : ¨Bataan¨ (1943) by Tay Garnett with Robert Taylor , ¨So proudly we hail ¡¨ by Mark Sandrich (1943) , ¨They were expendable¨ (1945) by John Ford with John Wayne , ¨Back to Bataan¨(1945) by Edward Dmytryck with John Wayne , Anthony Quinn , Beulah Bondi and ¨American Guerrilla in Philippines¨ (1950) by Fritz Lang with Tyrone Power , Micheline Presle , Robert Patten, Tom Ewell .
Great movie, very uplifting.
neilescalante4 September 2019
Not the true story
mrbluto11 July 2003
No man is an island could have a been a great movie. Hollywood took the true story of George Tweed and ripped it to shreds, leaving nothing but a fake story that has so many things wrong it is a crime. Someone in Hollywood should do a remake of the true story of George Tweed, they might have a winner on their hands. 3 out of 10 stars
One man's spiritual odyssey
reelguy228 May 2004
No Man is an Island is best seen not as a war film but as one man's spiritual odyssey. I fully agree with rsoonsa's comments that the film suffers from shoddy production values and a serious lack of logic. But get through the first half of the film and you have a tremendously moving experience.
Why should one man's life be spared when all of his comrades are killed? This is the question that the main character struggles with, and it's mainly through the local priest that he learns to accept the sacrifice of the people of Guam.
Jeffrey Hunter understands that his role doesn't call for the tough, gritty approach that he essayed so brilliantly in Hell to Eternity. Rather, he calls upon his unique qualities of masculinity and sensitivity to suggest his character's growing spiritual awareness. Some of Hunter's closeups are of heartrending beauty, bringing a spiritual quality that no actor today could touch.
There's a reason why No Man is an Island has been released on DVD - albeit in a misguided widescreen transfer that crops crucial information from the top and bottom of the frame. It speaks to a lot of people and transcends its various flaws through the sheer inspiration of its message.
Why should one man's life be spared when all of his comrades are killed? This is the question that the main character struggles with, and it's mainly through the local priest that he learns to accept the sacrifice of the people of Guam.
Jeffrey Hunter understands that his role doesn't call for the tough, gritty approach that he essayed so brilliantly in Hell to Eternity. Rather, he calls upon his unique qualities of masculinity and sensitivity to suggest his character's growing spiritual awareness. Some of Hunter's closeups are of heartrending beauty, bringing a spiritual quality that no actor today could touch.
There's a reason why No Man is an Island has been released on DVD - albeit in a misguided widescreen transfer that crops crucial information from the top and bottom of the frame. It speaks to a lot of people and transcends its various flaws through the sheer inspiration of its message.
Needs a remake!
marcus-perkins-ctr20 November 2006
Given that movies in the 50s and 60s were never meant to show the true life "grittiness" of war that we see in movies made today such as Saving Private Ryan, I was more turned off by the lack of truth to the story. As many others have said here, it's a great story worthy of a big budget production. I lived on Guam while in the Navy, and actually had the opportunity to go to what is called "Tweed's cave". Which by the way is located in the Northwest corner of the island on the Navy's Communnication station property. It's well worth the hike because you really get a sense of the life Tweed led in those 18month's. Watch the movie for it's own sake and not for the truthfulness of the story line.
How to learn to appreciate eating fishheads
clanciai26 August 2020
The most interesting part of this film is the very beginning, when Tweed sits on the top of his mountain and makes the reflection: "No man is an island, entire of itself. Every man is a piece of the continent and part of the main. Any man's death diminishes me. I am involved in all mankind." Indeed, he has time to make the deepest reflections and reach any conclusion during the months of his isolation on the top of a Pacific mountain with the ideal pacific landscape around him with the sea and the hills of the island. It's a great second world war narrative with very human ingredients, and especially impressive are the scenes in the hospital for lepers. There is a romance as well, and great war scenes, while only the Japanese are left with no human nuance. Jeffrey Hunter is perfect for the role, he was a very promising actgor who died far too young at only 42, and he was Jesus in Nicholas Ray's "King of Kings", and he died from complications in a surgery after two strokes. The film is beautiful, and although not ranked as Jeffrey Hunter's best film, you certainly will remember him from it.
Shame on Hollywood
zznucla5822 June 2014
Hollywood butchered this story....but that is not really a surprise. Add to that the way the US Govt treated the families that actually helped Tweed after the war, and still treat them to this day, just adds insult to injury. I met and became friends with some of those families when I was stationed on Guam, learned the true story firsthand and know they hate this film. IMHO,this move should only be shown with a disclaimer that it is 99% BS. Aside from the facts that WWII did happen, there is an Island of Guam, Tweed was in the Navy and was rescued by submarine, people died helping Tweed survive, there ain't much else accurate with this movie. Tho Mr Arturo did receive the Medal of Freedom from the US Govt for his part in this story, they really shafted him after WWII, and disrespect his family to this day. Such a shame the true story has never been told.
Second-rate treatment of a noble adventure.
rsoonsa6 May 2002
Jeffrey Hunter plays the part of George Tweed, the redoubtable U.S. Navy radioman who survived in hiding on Guam during the Japanese occupation of that island, with the assistance of many Guamanians who willingly turned their lives upside-down to protect him. Hunter is woefully miscast; devout Antonio Antero, the Chamorro who was Tweed's principal benefactor during his ordeal, was convinced of his Christian duty to assist the American due to the latter's appearance: gaunt and dirty with long hair and sullied clothing, akin to Christ before the crucifixion, but Hunter is obviously well-nourished with his hair style never disturbed, and with barely a nod by his demeanor to his taxing situation. Tweed, as the sole American survivor of the invasion, was a totem to the people native to Guam that the United States was still there, but this fact is overlooked in this production. Although Tweed was hidden within a cave in the island's southeast, a popular tourist attraction today, the scenario places him atop a mountain where he would be in plain view of enemy aircraft, a serious miscue in light of the fact that much of the occupiers' activity was revolving about attempts at his capture. Tweed cleverly repaired a damaged radio and typewriter and through skillful use of both helped to offset Japanese propaganda concerning the true progress of the war; however, this is touched on but briefly and in a distorted fashion, at that. Although obviously designed as packaged Hollywood entertainment, the screen story appears jejune when one recalls that many died to preserve the safety of the real-life Tweed. Filmed in the Philippines with largely local performers, NO MAN IS AN ISLAND flags from consistently poor production characteristics, which tend to jar a viewer's sensibilities. Not surprisingly, the acting is variable, with Marshall Thompson being wasted, and Hunter swallowing many of his lines as well as being uncomfortably saddled with a vapid love interest. Since the script does not delineate a point of view, and there is scant in the way of direction, we are left with one cliché-ridden scene after another. Some potentially engaging sub-plots, in particular one formed from the plight of Japanese-Americans remaining on Guam during the occupation, are only grazed fragments here. Talented Basil Wrangell does his best at editing this affair, but his cachet is finally defeated as the movie flounders forward to its hackneyed conclusion.
The Dread
EdgarST29 October 2015
I understand very well the value war veterans or many military persons can give to their memories of what they experienced while being in battles or accomplishing missions during war at different fronts. But cinema is something else, and depicting them on screen with fine results from both the artistic and commercial angles is not an easy task. More often than not the products resemble a long recruitment ad, an exaltation of a warmongering spirit, or a justification of actions which are ethically questionable as violating the national autonomy of a foreign country under the guise of "fight for democracy", no matter how realistic or vivid these products seem, and make these men and women revive their past experiences. Some are expensive productions, many are low-budget, some are very good and some are very bad. This American-Filipino co- production is a good example of cheap, proto-fascist cinema, with a formula script supposedly inspired by soldier George R. Tweed's "heroics" during Japanese invasion in Guam, turned into adventure non-sense, loaded with bad dialogue and "exotic" touches by the Filipino actors. Unfortunately, the make-up department had no pancake for them, so while Jeffrey Hunter sports a glorious tan, the others are all made-up with obvious powders intended for Caucasians. Add the U. S. Army propaganda, the scratched war footage, the shaky sets, and a score that goes from pompous to soapy, and you have a dreadful product. And it's true, maybe this story deserves a good remake.
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