Cast
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Ray Milland
as Joe DiMarco
Ernest Borgnine
as Bernard F. Goldsmith
Frank Lovejoy
as Capt. Amos Winfield
Nina Foch
as Lt. Mary Jane McCoy
Virginia Christine
as Helen Goldsmith
Diane Jergens
as Shirley Goldsmith
Warren Berlinger
as Harry Goldsmith
Dean Jagger
as John W. Rogers
Edward Andrews
as Mayor Henry L. Jensen
Frank Faylen
as Enos Warren
Andrew Duggan
as Pastor Stephen Browning
Joseph Wiseman
as Jim Barron
James Westerfield
as Chief O'Reilly
Richard Anderson
as Lt. Bill Horton
Olive Blakeney
as Victoria Scott
Crew
Director
- Philip Dunne
Writer
- Philip Dunne
Producer
- Herbert B. Swope Jr.
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Three Brave Men examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Philip Dunne brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1956, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Three Brave Men took approximately 22 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 3 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1956, when this film was released:
- Rock and roll music was revolutionizing popular culture.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Three Brave Men shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Murder at 1600, which focuses more on action than character development, Three Brave Men subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Bulworth and Being There explore similar territory, Three Brave Men stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 1, 1956
- Runtime: 1h 28m
