The story of Japanese-American soldiers who fought in Europe during World War II.
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Title: Go for Broke! (1951)
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Nominated for
1
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Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Van Johnson | ... | Lt. Michael Grayson | |
 |
Lane Nakano | ... | Sam |
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George Miki | ... | Chick |
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Akira Fukunaga | ... | Frank |
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Ken K. Okamoto | ... | Kaz |
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Henry Oyasato | ... | Ohhara |
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Harry Hamada | ... | Masami |
| Henry Nakamura | ... | Tommy | |
| Warner Anderson | ... | Col. Charles W. Pence | |
| Don Haggerty | ... | Sgt. Wilson I. Culley | |
| Gianna Maria Canale | ... | Rosina (as Gianna Canale) | |
| Dan Riss | ... | Capt. Solari | |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
A tribute to the U.S. 442nd Regimental Combat Team, formed in 1943 by Presidential permission with Japanese-American volunteers. We follow the training of a platoon under the rueful command of Lt. Mike Grayson who shares common prejudices of the time. The 442nd serve in Italy, then France, distinguishing themselves in skirmishes and battles; gradually and naturally, Grayson's prejudices evaporate with dawning realization that his men are better soldiers than he is. Not preachy. Written by Rod Crawford <puffinus@u.washington.edu>
Plot Keywords:
japanese american | 442nd regimental combat team | pidgin | heroes | white glove test |Taglines:
The amazing untold story - The heroes of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team! See more »Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USARelease Date:
14 September 1951 (Australia) See more »Also Known As:
Tout ou rien See more »Filming Locations:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA See more »Edit
Box Office
Budget:
$1,337,000 (estimated)Gross USA:
$2,531,000, 31 December 1951Cumulative Worldwide Gross:
$3,337,000, 31 December 1951Company Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Sound System)Color:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1
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Japanese-American Soldier: Kanakas. The ones from Hawaii. You know what they call us mainlanders? Kotonks. The way they tell it if you rap on our heads it's like hitting a coconut. Hollow heads, you know? Kotonk, kotonk, kotonk.
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Written by Robert Pirosh, Alberto Colombo and Ken K. Okamoto
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Several of the main characters were played by actual members of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team depicted in the film. The men saw action with the outfit in Italy and France. See more »Goofs
When Lt Grayson formally reports to his regimental commander at Camp Shelby, he performs a complete salute before the commander even begins his. Proper procedure would be for Grayson to bring his salute up, wait for his commander to complete a full salute, then return his arm to his side. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Japanese-American Soldier: Kanakas. The ones from Hawaii. You know what they call us mainlanders? Kotonks. The way they tell it if you rap on our heads it's like hitting a coconut. Hollow heads, you know? Kotonk, kotonk, kotonk.
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Soundtracks
The Meaning of LoveWritten by Robert Pirosh, Alberto Colombo and Ken K. Okamoto
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Most people know about the imprisonment of many Japanese Americans in camps during World War II, however, relatively few know the history of involvement by Japanese Americans in World War II. The 442nd Regimental Combat Team was sanctioned by Franklin Delano Roosevelt and consisted of Japanese American volunteers. These faithful Americans came to the military for many different reasons, and this film does a wonderful job of illustrating the diversity within the team as well as their courageous dedication to service despite the adverse conditions they and their families faced in an America at war with their ancestral homeland.
This adversity is personified in the character of Lieutenant Grayson (Van Johnson) - a tall, blond, Texan with a bad attitude about working with what he calls "Japs". Though Grayson's story arc is not really very surprising, it is thoroughly believable. The excellent Oscar-nominated Robert Porash script, solid editing and directing, and Johnson's nice performance make his portrayal of the archetypal understated Texan quite excellent. I can say this because I am a Texas-ex - though you never really get the place out of your heart.
For once, the minority is less stereotyped than the Northern European-American males! The Japanese-American actors are all excellent, and are the real stars of this film.
I agree with the vast majority of reviews published here on IMDb about this significant and entertaining film. Go For Broke is a war film which very nicely explores human behavior, American social reality and ethics but also commemorates and celebrates the triumph of humanity in adverse situations.
Recommended!