The Bridges at Toko-Ri (1954) User Reviews

A meritorious tribute to the heroism of the Jet-Bomber pilots...

[Nazi_Fighter_David · 8/10 · 5 December 1999]

The mission is clear and straight: to destroy completely the vital Korean bridges at Toko-Ri in order to frustrate enemy actions...

The film is a competent work and meritorious tribute to the heroism of the Jet-Bomber pilots (William Holden and Charles McGraw) and the extreme courage of the helicopter rescue service (Mickey Rooney and Earl Holliman).

'Where do we get such men,' affirms Rear Admiral George Tarran from the bridge of the aircraft carrier, and he was right!

The film exposes a close observation of the men's minds, their attitudes, their families, the tragedy of war, and the fascinating danger of the Jet-Bombers take-off and landing...

Charles G. Clarke's aerial photography in color of the Jet planes is simply spectacular...

Fredric March as the Admiral is staunch and human, and William Holden perfect as the American soldier fighting man... Grace Kelly flourished with her beauty the splendor of the picture...

Based on James E. Michener's novel, this ambitious action thriller is a cut above the usual war tragedy with impressive statements to make about war, death and politics...

Ted Williams must have appreciated this film

[bkoganbing · 8/10 · 27 April 2006]

The famous Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer, Ted Williams, must have had a grimly ironic appreciation of The Bridges at Toko-Ri when this film came out. After serving in the Marines in World War II, Williams was called back to the Marines for the Korean War and for the better part of two years flew the jets that you see Bill Holden flying here in the Navy.

Just as the Korean War interrupted one of the best baseball careers of the last century in real life, in this film William Holden is recalled from a thriving law practice in Denver, Colorado, not to mention from his lovely wife Grace Kelly and their two children. He flies carrier based jets bombing targets in the Korean War wondering like Ted Williams what he did in life to get called for two wars.

A few years earlier Warner Brothers did a fine film called Task Force which depicted the history of naval aviation through the eyes of its protagonist, Gary Cooper. The history went as far as the end of World War II and we were still flying propeller planes.

Maybe today's viewer can identify with a film like Top Gun where the skills are now a learned routine. But the Korean War was the first fought with jet aircraft and pilots had to really learn and develop new skills to take off and land on an aircraft at supersonic speed. Everyone, even the Russians, were all new at this in 1950 when the Korean War started.

Some critics have said Grace Kelly was wasted in this part, basically doing a role June Allyson perfected. Actually if you pay close attention, she's not terribly different from her role as housewife and mother in The Country Girl where she got her Oscar. She's just married to someone different is all. She has a very effective scene with her husband's commander Admiral Fredric March when she flies to Japan to be with Holden, taking along their two children.

My favorite in this film however is Mickey Rooney. He plays a helicopter rescue pilot and we first meet him and his co-pilot Earl Holliman rescuing Holden from the deep blue sea. Rooney is an irreverent sort, on duty with a green scarf and green top hat, looking like one of the little craitures from Ireland. Quick to brawl, but a real friend when you need one, I love his philosophy that you can say anything to officers as long as you put a sir on the end of it. There weren't going to be too many promotions in his future.

The Bridges at Toko-Ri is filled with a lot of Cold War nostrums and dated in that respect for today's audience. But it is a great tribute to those jet pilots, the crews that supported them, and the families that loved them, trying out those new skills in a brand new kind of war.

Highly Recommended A tale needing to be told

[rjkennedy7 · 8/10 · 11 December 2004]

I can't say enough good about this movie.It was made for its time. The public needed to be shown what it meant to be part of the military. What could be squandered without realizing how quickly one could lose that which was so prized. There is always a price to be paid. Its not until the true value of ones life is realized will one come to fully value the life they have to live. This movie presents this realism to us. Its not always the perfect presentation. But, then again what is in the real world. I would suggest however, that one reads Micheners' Book, The Bridges at Toko-Rio, before seeing the movie. More insight might be gained beforehand. The novel only adds to the movie. This movie was made when America was at its zenith in its place in the world. America stood alone as the first superpower. As yet unchallenged, but soon to be by the very nation whose personnel manned the planes, guns and radar stations seeking any incoming planes onto Korean airspace. Still, even though the hero dies in the doing, he still dies while doing something considered noble, worth dying for. Even the hero's wife, who agonizes over the whys and wherefores of her husband being part of something most of America has no idea is even happening. And, the hero is not even an enlisted man. He volunteered. He shouldn't even be there! Before seeing the movie, read the book. The movie was great.

War is Brutal--Heroes they all are.

[pariquix · 29 December 1998]

This is an exceptional picture, which clearly depicts the personal difficulties, particularly which Fighter Pilots must endure in times of combat. Mr Holden and Grace Kelly give fine portrayals of the young married couple, who must overcome the obstacles of a dangerous mission--A certain bombing Raid ( mentioned in the title) As the left behind wife, Kelly does a wonderful job, showing empathy for her husband, concern for herself, etc, and Holden is equally compelling as a troubled aviator in a difficult situation--All in all a fine Movie--good performances all around. T(W) G.

Very good film about the Korean War

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 26 April 2007]

William Holden is sent to bomb the "Bridges at Toko Ri" in the 1954 film also starring Frederic March, Grace Kelly, and Mickey Rooney. It's a very good film about the carrier operations in Korea, and according to one of the posters here, very accurate. The Korean War was the first war that utilized jets, meaning that the pilots had to be educated in new techniques to take off and land on aircraft. Sometimes there were problems, and they had to ditch into freezing water and be saved via helicopter. There were a lot of technical aspects of the work of the pilots shown in this film.

Holden plays an attorney who is called into service and has to leave his practice and family. He is chosen by his commander (March) to perform a very dangerous mission bombing bridges from the air - in this case, there's no way to hide from the enemy; they can see you coming.

There are some very exciting moments and some striking air fights throughout the film, as well as good acting. It's a little heavy on star power - why was Grace Kelly in this? She has a very small role that could have been played by any young leading woman. Nevertheless, she's lovely and very pretty, certainly a good match for Holden. Holden was an ideal film star, and ideal for this sort of film, with that rugged, handsome face and very masculine persona. He also plays the role with a likability and vulnerability - you really can't lose with him. Frederic March gives a strong performance as his commander. The showiest role belongs to possibly the showiest actor, Mickey Rooney, as a brave helicopter pilot who is a little bit short-tempered while on leave. As the jailer in Tokyo tells Holden, "Keep an eye on him. There's still a part of Tokyo that's unharmed." All in all, a very good and sobering film. The old men send the young men off to war - and they're still doing it.

Impressive real equipment with good miniature work

[SnoopyStyle · 6/10 · 3 July 2015]

It's 1952 off the coast of Korea. Harry Brubaker (William Holden) is a Naval Reserve pilot on active duty. He crashes into sea and rescued by helicopter crew Mike Forney (Mickey Rooney) and Nestor Gamidge (Earl Holliman). Rear Admiral Tarrant (Fredric March) is in charge of the aircraft carrier USS Savo Island. They return to Japan where Brubaker has shore leave in Tokyo with his wife Nancy (Grace Kelly) and children. The bridges at Toko-Ri is an important and dangerous target.

The action is impressive with the marrying of real naval assets and impressive looking miniatures. It is the best parts of the movie for me. The story follows various characters and is rather traditional. The family story and other background stories get a little tedious. However the real ships and planes make the action very compelling. Even with the miniatures, it is probably the Top Gun of its day.

Not a "War Movie"

[denscul · 7/10 · 29 December 2006]

This film is about fear and the potential loss of life, liberty and family. The hero just happens to be a Navy Pilot during the Korean War. Michner, the author did not write this book as an anti-war film. Some of his latter books were, but this was not anti-war. If you read the book, which I suggest, you might agree with me.

High Noon is not a Western. It is a story set in the West, but doing the right thing, even at the cost of your life is what made that movie an icon. So too is Bridges. Lt. Brubacher is like many men who are called to duty. They would rather stay at home, keep their careers and stay close to their family. The doubts about giving up your personal life for your country is the core of the drama. That is what makes this movie almost as good as High Noon.

The bad things about this movie is the "action". Lt. Brubaker, played by William Holden is a Navy fighter pilot. Fighter planes are designed to fight enemy aircraft and support ground troops. The first generation jet aircraft such as the ones Holden flew did not carry bombs. Some did carry rockets, but they would not be used to take out concrete bridges. Bombers like the B-29 and B-25 would have been used for such a mission. Only they had the capacity to destroy bridges made of reinforced concrete, and they would usually require numerous hits.

So the whole military action scenes are fictional, as well as poorly done. The actual flying and landing scenes are terrific. The sights and sounds on launch and recovery are great because they are authentic. So are the ditching scenes which if not from actual combat, were probably from real training films about how to ditch.

As for Holden's character, he is real enough. If he had been married to a frump, what was at stake would not have been as great. But to lose someone like Grace Kelly makes his sacrifice even greater.

The cost and sacrifice of men at war has nothing to do with whether the cause is right or just. Those phrases are for the recruiters. Once you are in uniform, they are meaningless. Your allegiance switches from flag and country to you and your buddies. Whether in a fox hole, or in the sky, it doesn't matter what side you are on. The enemy is on the other side of the hill or coming at you from above. The loss of life is part of the horror of war, regardless of whether its justified or not.

Rousing as well as touching war epic about a lieutenant assigned a dangerous mission during the Korean War

[ma-cortes · 7/10 · 10 September 2013]

This is a screen's explosively real drama of love and war . A grim as well as moving war drama set during the Korean War with a powerful anti-war statement . Based on the James A. Michener novel who wrote the story after spending time aboard the USS Essex . It deals with Navy fighter pilot named Brubaker (the aircraft that he and his squadron fly is the Grumman F9F-2 Panther) being summoned by the navy to fly bombing mission . As he is reluctant to fly and must come to terms with his own ambivalence towards a near-impossible assignment and the fear of having to bomb a location of highly defended bridges . The risked mission is tied up with an enjoyable and handkerchief love story about a marriage formed by Harry Brubaker (William Holden) and Nancy (Grace Kelly) . The loosely based on the story of the VF-51 naval aviators, of which astronaut Neil Armstrong was a member, though it is not known for certain whether any of the characters in the book or movie were based on Armstrong.

Exciting war film including an agreeable love story , emotion , thrills , impressive flying scenes , and final of this is all tension . Good production design and spectacular carriers , fighters , aircrafts and helicopters ; in fact , the U.S. Navy's cooperation in the movie's making included the use of 19 ships. The shipboard scenes were filmed on the U.S.S. Oriskany, whose number CV-34 is well visible ; however, during shooting, the Oriskany needed repairs, and the shooting was completed on her sister ship U.S.S. Kearsarge, CV-33. A magnificent cast with a splendid William Holden who agreed to do the film on the sole condition that the producers keep the original ending of the novel and a gorgeous Grace Kelly . Supporting cast is frankly excellent such as Fredric March , Robert Strauss , Charles McGraw ,Willis Bouchey and uncredited Corey Allen and Dennis Weaver . Special mention to Mickey Rooney who stands out with his likable portrait of a helicopter rescue pilot along with Earl Holliman ; this is the first of three war dramas in which Mickey Rooney's character is wounded by a hand grenade .

The motion picture was well realized by Mark Robson. In the early 40s Robson was much involved with the low-budget terror unit in charge of producer Val Lewton , for whom made ¨Seventh victim¨, ¨The ghost ship¨, and ¨Island of the dead¨. In the late 1940s Robson joined Stanley Kramer's independent company and directed his biggest commercial hit to date with ¨The champion¨. Years later Robson made another good film about corruption in boxing world titled ¨The harder they fall¨ with Humphrey Bogart. In the late 1960s, his work did decline . His last movie was a jinx one titled ¨Avalancha express¨. Robson and his main star, Robert Shaw, died suddenly from heart attacks. And of course , ¨Bridges at Toki-Ri¨ was one of his best films ; rating : Above average . A top-notch cast , spectacular flying , tense images and romantic drama help make this one a superior effort of its kind . Well worth seeing , this is the ordinary War movie that Hollywood does so well . This one is certainly one of the best movies ever made about the Korean War .

I was there.

[machfront · 10/10 · 9 May 2008]

I was a sailor assigned to the Oriskany and observed the filming; and I met Mickey Rooney and Earl Holliman. Those are some fine men; and they entered our shipboard environment seamlessly. During the filming, on his off time, Mickey Rooney performed for the crew with his own one-man show in one of the hanger bays. He played drums like one would never expect him to. He was a good musician, and great fun to be around. I would sure like to thank Rooney and Holliman for making our lives pleasant in such a distant and lonely place.

Once I was walking down a passageway and saw a very small pilot in a flight suit. I didn't think that one would find pilots that short because of the Navy's requirements for aviators. Then, I saw his face, and it was Mickey Rooney. Rooney and the film crew stayed on board for Thanksgiving, and that has to be the most memorable Thanksgiving I ever had.

To me, that film is a time capsule, and every time I see it, it brings back fond memories of life on the Oriskany. The Oriskany was the last Essex class aircraft carrier built, and it was about three years old when I was on it. Sadly, it's been scuttled, and turned into fish habitat.

Anyway, like I said, Holliman and Rooney are excellent people; I never met Holden, but he was there too.

The Bridges at Toko-Ri was a pretty good war drama

[tavm · 7/10 · 11 August 2015]

The most interesting thing about this Korean War-set movie is the way it ends. You won't get what would be considered a rousing action-filled good time here. In fact, the principles question why they have to do what they have to do sometimes. William Holden plays a lawyer who's sent on a dangerous mission to destroy some bridges of the title. Mickey Rooney plays a helicopter pilot who gets into trouble with a Japanese woman when she betrays him but also helps Holden's character early on so he's bound to be loyal to him. Grace Kelly is Holden's wife who is told what to expect by her hubby's superior, Fredric March, when he takes these missions. The aerial footage are the most compelling of scenes though some of the humor concerning Holden, Ms. Kelly, their pre-teen daughters and a Japanese family at a hotel pool was also welcome. Dramatically, this adaptation of James A. Michener's novel could have been better. Still, The Bridges at Toko-Ri was pretty good as a war drama.

A Bit Tedious Until Final Half Hour

[ccthemovieman-1 · 5/10 · 11 December 2006]

The last half hour of this war movie was very good as William Holden and others bomb bridges, the ones in the film is named. Holden is then forced to ditch his plane after being hit and then he and rescuers Mickey Rooney (yes, you read right) and Earl Holiman shoot it out with the Koreans.

Those scenes - and the shocking ending which I won't mention - are the highlights of this film.

Unfortunately, most of the movie - especially the first half of it, is somewhat boring. Very little happens. However, it certainly picked up at the end and had that memorable ending. This is one of the few movies that involved the Korean War. You just don't see many movies about that conflict.

Note: Grace Kelly gets good billing but does not have much of a role.

The Few For The Many

[jhclues · 9/10 · 15 September 2000]

The Korean War is the setting for `The Bridges At Toko-Ri,' a story of individual sacrifice and the high cost of freedom, from director Mark Robson. Navy fighter-pilot Harry Brubaker (William Holden), a veteran of World War II, is called to serve again when the conflict in Korea escalates, which takes him away from his wife, Nancy (Grace Kelly), two young children and a successful law practice. When his plane goes down after a mission, into the sea just short of the carrier, he survives; but he bitterly questions the fairness of what he has been asked to do, while everyone back home is able to go on with the routine of their lives, uninterrupted. Rear Admiral George Tarrant (Fredric March), a man who has had his own share of personal tragedy (he looks upon Brubaker as the son he has lost to the war, himself), tells Brubaker it's a matter of distance; we do this because we're here; back home they're only doing just as you would be doing if you were there. When Brubaker is granted shore leave, strings are pulled, and arrangements are made for Nancy and the children to join him; a brief respite, after which he must return to face his most formidable challenge yet, flying against the bridges that span the canyons at Toko-Ri. Very probably a suicide mission, it is nevertheless believed that knocking out these particular bridges could bring about a turning point in the war, and Lieutenant Brubaker is called upon once again to play a pivotal roll in deciding the outcome. An excellent supporting cast ably brings to life the characters that infuse this drama with humanity. Mickey Rooney is unforgettable as Mike Forney, the fighting, Irish helicopter pilot who fishes Brubaker out of the sea when his plane crashes. Memorable as well are Earl Holliman (Nestor Gamidge, Forney's partner), Robert Strauss (Beer Barrel), Charles McGraw (Commander Wayne Lee), Keiko Awaji (Kimiko) and Willis bouchey (Captain Evans). An excellent precursor to the more recent `Saving Private Ryan,' and `U-571,' `The Bridges At Toko-Ri' is an intimate study of individual courage and responsibility, and of the moral fortitude of which man is capable in times of crisis. There is a finality to the climax of this film that underscores the intense personal aspects of the larger conflict, and of the price demanded by certain individuals chosen to fulfill a seemingly random destiny. At the end of the movie, Admiral Tarrant sums it up succinctly when he ponders aloud: `Where do we get such men?' To which we can only answer: Where, indeed. I rate this one 9/10.

The Police Action That was a War

[cougarblue-696-806128 · 6/10 · 15 May 2018]

Bill Holden as the moody and brooding lead rides again. Holden was given two decades of solid gold roles, the likes never seen before. At first I gave The Bridges at Tokyo-Ri a 4, but then I read the reviews written by our Naval hero's. If the real experts can give the film a 8, 9, or 10's, I have no excuse for not showing Toko-Ri more respect. Please read the User Reviews composed by the men who would know. In comparison, if I stayed with my slightly negative comments, I would come off as petty and irrelevant.

war vs freedom - but at what price

[SipteaHighTea · 5/10 · 20 September 2006]

The problem about the film is that until the Cold War had ended in 1991, if you argue against war and the waste and drastic costs of war, you would be label a traitor, a communist pinko, being an appeaser towards communism, etc. Not to mention, people would jump all over on you browbeating with the same lines saying that people lay down their lives to preserve your freedom, and if we don't stop them here, we have to stop them there (sound familiar with Iraq).

If you see the movie Tobruk with Rock Hudson, Rock Hudson's character (Major Craig) did not like the idea of dying in a war or a cause no matter how noble it may be. I wonder how many moviegoers did not like his remarks. I bet you a lot of soldiers agree with Rock Hudson's character had just said but did not say it in public and at military reunions for fear of being ostracizes by other soldiers.

Marine Colonel William Corson, author of the book Betrayal, stated in Time Magazine in 1975, that if our country is not going to paid the price of using soldiers and then throwing them away when they are no longer need, then we should not fight wars. Marine General Smedley Butler stated that war is a racket, and it took him 30 years to realizes it. If you don't believe war is a racket, then take a good hard look at Iraq. The Seabees are not repairing the country. If they did, the country would have been back on its feet in six months to a year.

A rare Korean War film classic

[soranno · 5 November 2002]

A couple of years before he made film history with "The Bridge On The River Kwai" William Holden starred in this rather little known Korean War drama, one of the first to be released shortly after the war. Not too many films about the Korean War get made and this is one of the best of a very few. Holden portrays a lawyer who is ordered by the Navy to do his part for the war in bombing missions. A better known cast including Grace Kelly, Fredric March, Mickey Rooney and Earl Holliman costars with Holden (besides Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins and Sessue Hayakawa, Holden's supporting cast in "The Bridge On The River Kwai" were mostly unknowns) so it's good for big star watchers and it's an overall great film but it won't reach the heights of Holden's later "Bridge" film.

A Story From The Korean War

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 28 May 2020]

This film was released not long after the Korean War. It tells the story of Lt. Harry Brubaker (William Holden), a jet pilot who was drafted and sent to Korea, tearing him away from his family and his law practice.

The film details life on a carrier and the dangers inherent in the onboard jobs. The source novel was written by James Michener, ex-Navy himself, who embedded himself onboard a carrier to gain a close-up look at the men who go to sea and put their lives on the line.

Also starring are Grace Kelly, Fredric March, and Mickey Rooney. Robert Strauss, who played a strong part in "Stalag 17", has a smaller role.

Originally, this film might have been conceived as a tribute to those who sacrificed for the cause, but more than anything, it humanizes the costs of war.

As for Holden, this was his fourth release of 1954, following a strong performance in "Executive Suite" (also with March), and good performances in "Sabrina" and "The Country Girl" (also with Kelly).

Could have been much better...

[glentom1 · 7/10 · 17 April 2004]

I am always drawn to this movie whenever it comes on, mostly because it has several of my favorite actors, e.g. William Holden, Fredric March and Grace Kelly. I like the storyline, and generally like the movie...

But my biggest complaint is the casting of Mickey Rooney. His character is completely out of place in this movie. His portrayal is also way over-the-top. I also question the technical advice given in this movie, I could be wrong, but it seems unlikely to me that two enlisted men would be flying a helicopter to rescue downed pilots, in what appears to be their assigned duty.

I know that enlisted men have served as pilots when the need arose, but they were usually promoted to Warrant Officer rank for the duration of that duty. At any rate, all the scenes involving the brawling Mickey Rooney completely ruined the movie for me. To think that they would entrust a helicopter to the Rooney character in the light of his constant brawling and immature behavior really stretches the imagination for me.

The best scenes in this movie are those between March and Holden, where the dialogue is sophisticated and revealing. And what man could not appreciate a leave with Grace Kelley? The scene where Holden and his family of 4 are in the bath house, and the Japanese family of 4 come in and disrobe to swim is classic.

To summarize, I just don't like the scenes that go on and on with Rooney, they really drag the movie down. And if anyone else has ideas about the accuracy of enlisted men serving a primary duty of helicopter pilot, please let me know.

A navy pilot is a reluctant warrior who does his duty anyway.

[Deusvolt · 6/10 · 20 June 2007]

Although made three years earlier than John Wayne's inane Jet Pilot (1957), this film is superior in plot (it is a Michener after all), aerial combat staging, photography, acting and in everything else. Carrier operations are shown in much detail making those familiar with them realize that little has changed in running those floating military airports. The catapult launching, the recovery using tailhooks and nets, use of the "tilly," a kind of gantry on wheels to move disabled planes --- all these remain essentially the same. The flagman signaling to the incoming pilot as to his position in relation to the deck, however, is today a rare sight. With the development of avionics, the pilot nowadays is electronically hooked on to the carrier's sensors telling him how the deck is inclined (it's a ship pitching on the waves, remember) so he could approach it at the correct angle for a safe landing.

Although made with the US navy's and presumably the Department of Defense's cooperation, the film does try to balance between the jingoistic rant of "cold warriors" prevalent at that time and the peace lovers. The intervention in Korea is justified by the Admiral (portrayed by Frederic March) so that they wouldn't have to fight the enemy on American soil. Commander Brubaker (William Holden), however, feels that he is "in the wrong war, in the wrong place."

The bombing run scenes are magnificent in their scope and the superb flying of the pilots in the smart looking Panthers are memorable.

Compare with The Hunters, another film about the Korean war starring Robert Mitchum and Bob Wagner as Air Force pilots.

Gripping aerial, sea, and terrain war footage; somewhat flat otherwise

[davidgarnes · 7/10 · 10 January 2015]

This is a beautifully photographed and edited (in the action scenes) Korean war drama that comes to life in the last half hour or so of the film. It does tackle the complex issues of war in terms of the meaning of it all and the questions of the seeming unfairness concerning those who find themselves, through circumstance and duty, in the middle of hellish situations not of their own making. William Holden is his usual engaging, capable self as the central character, a veteran who finds himself called up again into this post-WWII conflict; Frederic March is authoritative as the duty-bound but somewhat conflicted commander; and Mickey Rooney manages to tone it down--a bit--as a temperamental, funny helicopter pilot. Grace Kelly, in a smallish role, articulates her lines but, to this viewer, never makes me think she is anyone but Grace Kelly dressed in stylish Edith Head 50s clothes. Kelly fans may differ. See this for Holden and March and, especially, for the truly stunning scenes of aircraft carriers and jets in action. Those are memorable.

Superb film

[DrHypersonic · 10/10 · 22 March 2005]

This is a truly superb film on any number of grounds. First, and generally unknown, it is based on a real incident, the so called "Battle of Carlson's Canyon" which was waged early in the Korean War in an attempt to interdict North Korean supplies on their way to the front. James Michener had gone out to the carrier ESSEX (CV-9) and had been very impressed with the men of VF-172, a Banshee fighter squadron. The book is astonishingly realistic...if one compares what he wrote as a novel with the contemporary Navy strike reports (which were then highly classified), it is amazing how much he got "right." It is also a good look at carrier aviation in the last days of the "straight-deck" carrier with hydraulic catapults and a paddle-waving landing deck officer...all that disappeared after Korea with the introduction of the angled deck, the steam catapult, and the Fresnel-lens mirror landing system. The book is in my view the finest air war novel ever written, bar none, and the movie is the same for the film genre. Incidentally, when made into a film, Grumman Panthers were used in place of Banshees, and one of the pilots who flew in the making of the film was a very young Lt. j.g. named Alan Shepherd--later one of the Mercury and Apollo astronauts. Not to be missed!!!

Bridges and the Fear

[elo-equipamentos · 7/10 · 11 April 2017]

I saw this picture some years ago and l found a weak story bringing Grace Kelly just to have a beauty female on the screen and a old fashion Mickey Rooney totally out of the time,but now revisiting more carefully a found the same way yet!!!just another standard acting of Holden...silly story about lawman who went to war and left a young and beauty wife at home waiting....the war is stupid but in this case Holden too...Earl Holliman as always funny as sailor and the best performance was no doubt by Charles Mcgraw and Fredric March both were convincing...the director Mark Robson made great films in your career but this is watchable only!!

Uninspired and Uninspiring

[sddavis63 · 3/10 · 3 December 2005]

This is a strangely dull story about a Naval Reserve pilot (William Holden) called reluctantly back to service during the Korean War. This is largely (and the movie admits it in its opening tagline) a Cold War propaganda piece intended to make the U.S. Navy look good. There's nothing wrong with that, except that one would have expected a better story to accomplish the purpose. I thought that the plot lacked any real excitement or drama, and found the acting to be plodding for the most part (and I must say that Mickey Rooney seemed to be to be totally miscast as a brawling, hero helicopter pilot.) The other thing about the movie that I found strange was that, despite the title, the importance of the Bridges at Toko-Ri was never really explained. Admiral Tarrant (Frederic March) makes the bold statement that if those bridges are destroyed, the Communists would realize that the Allies were serious and they'd give up, but I never really understood why he would have thought those bridges were THAT important. Overall, I found this movie both uninspired and uninspiring. It wasn't awful, it was just awfully boring! Rating: 3/10

An excellent movie on Naval Aviation.

[Beldar-3 · 10/10 · 5 May 2005]

I served with Task Force 77 in November 1952 on a destroyer running anti-submarine and mine detection for those floating "bird farms". I also put in 30 years working with Naval Aviation logistics; this movie is an excellent look at carrier operations in the jet age. I recommend it to all who are interested in aviation, especially naval aviation. The one thing not depicted is the problems experienced by the destroyers in heavy weather as the carriers turned into the wind and out of the wind during flight operations, especially during chow times. This could probably be shown in a separate movie, but I still have vivid memories of my ship diving into the sea and the foam combing over the flying bridge and down both sides of my ship. Trying to log sack time during these times was also an experience unto itself. Incidentally we did lose on fly boy as a result of his ditching. We were told that exposure of more than 5 minutes in those waters could prove fatal, and this guy's case it was so. Not a happy time.

Where do we get such men?

[azureglo · 6/10 · 16 April 2006]

You might as well ask as Edgar Lee Masters did; "Pro Patria, what the hell does it mean?" A jingoistic but human portrayal of the war (in this case Korean) shot through with a US navy recruiting film (and yes like Top Gun many decades later, endorsed and part realised by said navy).

William Holden, though, gives a magnificent portrayal of "the lawyer from Denver, Colorado" trapped in the "wrong war at the wrong time". Aided by some solid archetypes from Mickey Rooney and a true to form wooden Grace Kelly, Toko Ri still stands a war movie for those who hate war. In many ways it half articulates the sickened reaction against war that the Raging Bulls, Easy Riders generation would so eloquently give voice so many decades later.

Stop the movie at the Holden's last and lingering shot in camera and see it without the recruiting spiel tacked on at the end. Flawed but graceful.

Disappointingly vacuous

[yakikorosu · 4/10 · 23 April 2008]

The best thing I can say is that it's clear the U.S. Navy cooperated a *lot* making this picture, as there's very nice and real plans and ships and everything all over the place. Unfortunately, this is one of those movies where the exposition--you know, the part kind of 'setting up' the major conflicts--takes up 3/4 of the movie. Up until the titular attack on "the bridges at Toko Ri," we have an hour and a half of, well, I'm not sure--mostly of Mickey Rooney being alternately silly and angry, Holden's family spending time together, and an absolutely astonishing amount of airplanes taking off and landing. Landing (or inability to land) airplanes accounts for right about 100% of the conflict in this film until the last 10 minutes. For a film that I suppose was trying to be a thinking, feeling man's war film, there is a curious lack of thinking or feeling. Various characters appear for a scene or two, engage in some overwrought meditation about war or male bonding, and then other characters replace them. The most consistently significant character throughout the film is actually Mickey Rooney, who unfortunately is stuck playing a silly, one-dimensional role. And that's really the #1 problem here: this film wants to be more about the characters than about the war, but the characters are cliché and contrived. Well, that and it's just plain dull.