It is an interesting coincidence of television programing that within three days of this week (Thursday to Saturday, June 18 to 20th, 2008) I saw two films regarding the problems of Americans and Japanese intermingling in the period World War II that I have long known of but had never before been in a position to view. First there was BRIDGE TO THE SUN which told of the mixed marriage of a Caucasian-American with a Japanese Diplomat in the 1930s into the World War, when they lived together (with their child) in Japan. Second is this film which looks at one of the hardest fighting military units in World War II's American Army, the 442ND Regiment. It was made almost entirely out of Japanese - American volunteers who wanted (in the wake of Pearl Harbor) to prove their patriotism. It was extremely difficult. Gwen (Carol Baker) saw first hand American bigotry turned in her direction when she was spotted boarding a bus with her daughter Mako in BRIDGE TO THE SUN. Obscenities were being thrown in her direction, as the bigots knew the people leaving were going home to Japan. Here these were native born Americans from around the country who were determined to show their patriotism, but faced a country that imprisoned many of their relatives in "relocation camps" and where many individuals faced possible physical danger by local bigots. If (as I said) BRIDGE TO THE SUN is a fine follow up to Cagney's film on the rise of Japanese militarism BLOOD ON THE SUN, then the appropriate (if disheartening) follow up to GO FOR BROKE! is BAD DAY AT BLACK ROCK, as Spencer Tracy finds out the fate of his wartime friend's Japanese American father.

GO FOR BROKE! is a "B" Feature, and lacks many of the special effects of the better war films from World War II through the 1960s (there is no point in comparing it to the computerized films of today). It showed care in how it developed character. Six of the Japanese actors in the film actually had served in the 442ND and were able to give a sense of realism to the movie. They were probably consulted in the script by Robert Pirosh, the director. There are moments of real humor in the movie. Van Johnson's taking his platoon through training, and suspecting (but not being able to prove) they cheated on an obstacle course is a good example.

The actors are quite good. Lane Nakano (Sam) is a level headed fellow who is trying to understand the ways of the Caucasians who run the Army and U.S., but also trying to get them to understand the plight of the Japanese - Americans. George Miki ("Chick") is the reverse - a wise guy who knows the angles (we first see him winning remarkably well in a dice game in the barracks - too well as one of the others wants to examine the dice). He was working on the farms of Iowa in choosing male and female chickens for the farmers (a Japanese ability that Americans did not have). Since he was in the Midwest, "Chick" was not in the net of the Federal act that created the west coast relocation camps. Now he bemoans having been convinced to leave a $500.00 a month job for volunteering in the army of a country that disgraces his relatives. At the same time Sam is sending food to his family and girlfriend in their camp in Arizona, and is getting news from them about how they are being treated.

Van Johnson is "Lieutenant Michael Grayson", who is a Texan, and wished to be in the same regiment with his Texas buddies. He is appalled at the Japanese-Americans he has to lead, and this annoys his commander Warner Anderson (Colonel Charles Pence) who refuses to consider him for transfer. Johnson does bring the men up to snuff in their training "by the book", but he earns their contempt for his obvious dislike of them. But as the film progresses Johnson gradually begins to question his own bigotry. The men are really willing to prove their worth. Moreover, in reading a U.S. guide book to Italy he reads words reminding him of the bigotry towards Italians and Germans that the Fascists and Nazi Propagandists build on.* It unsettles him, and slowly prepares him into a defender of the men.

[*I suppose only one racial stereotype could be concentrated on in each movie that came along - there is no mention of the "Jim Crow" African-American units in the war. Unlike the Japanese - Americans the African - Americans did not get put into camps, but they were treated throughout the country (even in Hollywood) as second class citizens. In 1943 Jesse Owens achievements in Berlin in 1936 and the brouhaha over Marion Anderson's singing in Washington in 1930 were yesterday's news. Joe Lewis was still considered a boxing treasure, but Jackie Robinson's breaking the baseball color line was three years away. And even if Hattie McDaniel won the Oscar in GONE WITH THE WIND in 1939 no other African-American performer got a nomination in this period.]

The film follows the men through Italy and France to the fighting at the Bulge. In the reaction of the men to their surroundings it bears comparison to A WALK IN THE SUN. One adopts a pet pig, and keeps the lovable little animal (and feeds him) until he has to make a choice about the pet. Another, who was an architecture major, keeps mentioning the different styles of great buildings that he sees along the way to the others. But for all their idiosyncrasies and different viewpoints, the men prove tough, experienced, and brave fighters, who rightly won their military glory with blood and toil. This is a worthy film in their honor, and you should try to catch it.

Japanese-Americans serving in the U.S. army during World War 11 is the central theme of this film. How ironic that this occurred while we were placing other Japanese-Americans in internment camps during this period.

Van Johnson harbors prejudice as he chosen to shape these recruits up. While he runs into difficulty with top brass, he does his job well.

He comes to understand and appreciate his men. When he meets up with his old Texas regiment, he fights someone for passing an anti-Japanese remark.

The Japanese players do a good job of showing that their true spirits were with the U.S.

A totally satisfying film depicting the human spirit.

"Go For Broke!" is a rather standard film about war made during the post-war era with one exception...it's about the racism felt by some American soldiers towards the Japanese-American soldiers. In this case, the company commander, Lt. Grayson (Van Johnson) hates these men simply because of their national heritage. Through the course of the film, he slowly comes to the realization that they are not only excellent soldiers but excellent people. It is enjoyable and a decent film.

A few observations about the film. First, the little 'Italian' boy obviously wasn't Italian when he said thanks....the pronunciation was all wrong. Second, the German officer surrendering to the troops was played by John Banner...Sgt. Schultz from "Hogan's Heroes". He's a lot skinnier here but the voice is easy to recognize! Additionally, Van Johnson surprised me a bit, as his role was pretty thankless playing a bigot...and I applaud him for doing it.