GO FOR BROKE

US, 1951, 92 minutes, Black and white.
Van Johnson.
Directed by Robert Pirosh.

Go for Broke is a very well-made war film tribute of the late forties and early fifties. This time there is a Hollywood tribute to the American Japanese and their participation In the war. Besides being an effective war film, the film has much to say about race prejudice and patriotism. Van Johnson, very popular at the time, was a good choice to exhibit something of this prejudice and make audiences identify with him in understanding the Japanese Americans as persons. Of interest for its war and race themes.

1. The significance of the title, use in the film? The impact of this film in the early Fifties, the memory of the war, tribute? Its impact now? Historical interest, patriotism, racism?

2. How conventional a war film was this? Was it better because of its special racial interest? The particular merits of the film as a war film?

3. Use of black and white photography, American backgrounds, details of training, the war in Italy? Music and song?

4. How well put were the issues about Japanese-Americans? The feeling after Pearl Harbour, internment, patriotism? The various examples of personalities presented, the way of life in the camps, the humiliation of internment? The contrast with America's treatment of Americans born in Italy or Germany?

5. The impact of the film because it was a true story, its quality as a tribute to the men who fought during the war?

6. How was Michael Grayson meant to be the typical American? As soldier, ordinary man? His prejudices, ambitions, anger? How well were these shown? His work in commando his harshness, his resentment? His effect on people's lives? The impact of the war and action? How convincingly was his prejudice broken? What change was effected in him? The fact that Van Johnson played the part?

7. How well and credibly were the Japanese-Americans? presented as characters, their traits, their patriotism, training, human responses, interactions, action in war, deaths?

8. How convincing were the war scenes in Italy? The irony of Japanese-Americans? fighting for America in Italy?

9. The vindication of the trust put in these soldiers, their training and involvement?

10. How optimistic was the outlook on America, on race relationships, prejudice, patriotism?