Bridge To The Sun (1961)

In the Washington D.C. OF 1939, a young girl (Carroll Baker) from Tennessee meets a young Japanese diplomat (James Shigeta) and they fall in love despite their cultural differences. But when the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor, she is voluntarily deported with her husband and daughter to Japan where she lives through WWII. Based on the autobiographical novel by Gwendolen Terasaki, the film takes liberties with the actual facts in order to heighten the drama. The film’s topic is compelling so it’s a pity the film isn’t better. For a film that is actually based on real events, the film seems contrived. Baker and Shigeta don’t have much chemistry and Baker overplays her “hillbilly” roots. But the subject matter is singular enough to guide us over the film’s shortcomings. It works best as a simple love story as opposed to an examination of culture clash and divided loyalties. Directed by Etienne Perier (WHEN EIGHT BELLS TOLL). The underscore is by Georges Auric (THE PRIDE AND THE PASSION). With Tetsuro Tamba and Sean Garrison.