Claudette Colbert plays British-American civilian POW Agnes Keith in this true story about a mother's experience in a Japanese POW camp in the South Pacific during world war two. Mrs Keith and her young son experience one trial after another as they struggle to survive with their humanity, hope, and dignity intact for over two years under their captors. Colbert is phenomenal and is given strong support by the excellent Sessue Hayakawa (Bridge on the River Kwai) as the Colonel assigned to overseeing the camp.
The film presents its subject matter in a surprisingly non-propagandistic manner, and does not demonize the Japanese as thoroughly as many war-era films. In fact, Three Came Home offers some hope for future friendship and alliance between the former combatants.
Director Jean Negulesco enjoyed a 55 year career in and out of Hollywood and is probably best known for Three Coins in a Fountain and Johnny Belinda. Three Came Home was made around the height of his popularity in 1950. His long and successful career would continue for another 37 years. While Three Came Home is not his best film, it is as well made as it could have been, and very much worth watching for those interested in the subject matter.
The film presents its subject matter in a surprisingly non-propagandistic manner, and does not demonize the Japanese as thoroughly as many war-era films. In fact, Three Came Home offers some hope for future friendship and alliance between the former combatants.
Director Jean Negulesco enjoyed a 55 year career in and out of Hollywood and is probably best known for Three Coins in a Fountain and Johnny Belinda. Three Came Home was made around the height of his popularity in 1950. His long and successful career would continue for another 37 years. While Three Came Home is not his best film, it is as well made as it could have been, and very much worth watching for those interested in the subject matter.