Hell to Eternity is a 1960 World War II film starring Jeffrey Hunter, David Janssen, Vic Damone and directed by Phil Karlson. This film tells the true story of Guy Gabaldon (played by Hunter), a Los Angeles Hispanic boy raised in the 1930s by a Japanese American foster family, and his heroic actions during the Battle of Saipan.

Plot summary

After the attack on Pearl Harbor and the US entry into World War II, Gabaldon's Japanese foster family is sent to an Internment Camp at Camp Manzanar. After enlisting in the Marines, Gabaldon's ability to speak Japanese helps him become a lone-operating Marine hero. During the bloody campaign for the island of Saipan, he convinces approximately 1000 Japanese soldiers to surrender after their general commits suicide.

Trivia

• This was an early appearance of George Takei, made famous later as Sulu on Star Trek. Takei was himself sent to an internment camp during the war.
• After the war, Gabaldon lived on Saipan for several years.
• Gabaldon received the Navy Cross citation for his actions during the Battle of Saipan.
• The film was made on Okinawa with members of the 3rd Marine Division and Japanese extras trained by a Japanese World War II veteran. The savage bayonet fighting depicted in the film was done with much enthusiasm.

DVD Release

The DVD of the film was released on June 5, 2007 in the United States.