Discover
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James Michener
Novel -
Norma Koch
Costume Design -
Paul Osborn
Screenplay -
William Goetz
Producer -
Robert Priestley
Set Decoration -
Franz Waxman
Original Music Composer -
Ellsworth Fredericks
Director of Photography -
Joshua Logan
Director
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Wuchak 11/10/2021 7:17:51 PM
_**Brando’s romantic culture clash in Japan after WW2**_ In 1951, an American Air Force pilot serving in Korea (Marlon Brando) is reassigned to Kobe, Japan, where he deals with his American fiancé (Patricia Owens) and a Japanese performer who attracts his attention (Miiko Taka). The problem is there’s a military order against fraternizing with indigenous women. James Garner and Red Buttons have peripheral roles while Ricardo Montalban is on hand as a famous Kabuki entertainer. “Sayonara” (1957) is a romantic drama highlighted by Brando’s performance as a genial Southern officer, the Japanese culture & locations, plus the quaint conventions of the time period, not to mention Garner in one of his earliest roles. It’s similar to “The Ugly American” (1963), but arguably better. “Désirée” (1954) is another apt comparison, despite taking placing during the Napoleonic era. The film is a little long at 2 hours, 27 minutes, but I didn’t mind. It was shot in Japan with some stuff done in Burbank & Hollywood. GRADE: B
James Garner
Capt. Mike BaileyMarlon Brando
Major Lloyd GruverDennis Hopper
MP in Kelly's House / MP at Tokyo Airport (voice) (uncredited)Ricardo Montalban
NakamuraRed Buttons
Joe KellyPeter Brown
Second Military Police (voice) (uncredited)Martha Scott
Mrs. WebsterKent Smith
Gen. Webster