Go for Broke!

Plot

The film follows Lt. Mike Grayson (Van Johnson), a prejudiced officer assigned to command the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, composed entirely of Japanese-American volunteers. Initially skeptical and harboring common prejudices of the era, Grayson gradually witnesses the extraordinary courage, dedication, and sacrifice of his men during their training and subsequent combat in Italy and France. The 442nd distinguishes themselves in numerous battles, including the famous rescue of the 'Lost Battalion' in the Vosges Mountains, becoming one of the most decorated units in U.S. military history. Through their valor and professionalism, Grayson's prejudices evaporate as he develops deep respect for his soldiers, recognizing them as some of the finest warriors he has ever commanded. The film culminates with the regiment's heroic actions and the profound bonds forged between men of different backgrounds united by duty and honor.

Historical Background

'Go for Broke!' was produced and released in 1951, just six years after the end of World War II and during the early Cold War period. This was a time when anti-Japanese sentiment still lingered in American society, and Japanese-Americans were still recovering from the trauma of internment camps. The film emerged during the Korean War, when issues of loyalty and patriotism were particularly sensitive topics in American discourse. The early 1950s also saw the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement, making this film's message about racial equality and American values particularly timely. Hollywood was gradually becoming more willing to address social issues, though still cautiously, and 'Go for Broke!' represented one of the first mainstream attempts to positively portray Japanese-Americans in a leading role. The film's release coincided with growing public awareness of the contributions and sacrifices of minority soldiers during WWII, helping to challenge prevailing stereotypes and prejudices.

Making Of

The production of 'Go for Broke!' faced significant challenges given its sensitive subject matter in post-WWII America. Director Robert Pirosh, who had served as an infantryman in Europe, was passionate about telling the story of Japanese-American soldiers who faced discrimination while fighting for their country. The casting process was particularly thoughtful, with Pirosh insisting on using Japanese-American actors, many of whom were actual 442nd veterans. Van Johnson, then a major star, took a pay cut to appear in the film, believing strongly in its message. The battle sequences were filmed with remarkable authenticity, using actual military advisors from the 442nd to ensure accuracy in tactics, procedures, and equipment. The production team worked closely with the Veterans Administration and 442nd veterans organizations to gather authentic stories and details for the screenplay. Despite limited budget and resources, the film's combat scenes were praised for their realism, achieved through careful choreography and the genuine military experience of many cast and crew members.

Visual Style

The cinematography of 'Go for Broke!' was handled by Paul Vogel, who brought a gritty realism to the battle sequences while maintaining the polished look expected of an MGM production. The film uses a combination of location shooting and studio work, with the combat scenes benefiting from natural lighting and authentic military equipment to enhance their realism. Vogel employed dynamic camera movements during action sequences, putting viewers in the midst of battle while maintaining clarity and coherence. The training sequences are shot with a more formal, composed style that contrasts with the chaotic energy of the combat scenes, visually representing the soldiers' transformation from civilians to warriors. The film's black and white photography adds to its documentary-like feel, particularly in the scenes depicting actual military procedures and tactics. Vogel's work captures both the epic scale of wartime operations and the intimate moments between soldiers, creating a visual narrative that supports the film's themes of brotherhood and sacrifice.

Innovations

'Go for Broke!' achieved notable technical accomplishments in its realistic depiction of WWII combat, particularly given the limitations of early 1950s filmmaking technology. The film's battle sequences were groundbreaking in their use of authentic military equipment and tactics, achieved through close collaboration with actual 442nd veterans who served as technical advisors. The production team developed innovative techniques for simulating artillery fire and explosions that were both realistic and safe for the actors. The film also employed early forms of location sound recording to capture authentic dialogue during action sequences, a challenging technical feat for the period. The makeup and special effects departments created realistic battle wounds and injuries that were considered quite graphic for their time but necessary to convey the reality of combat. The film's seamless integration of studio sets with location footage was also technically impressive, helping to maintain continuity and authenticity throughout the production.

Music

The film's musical score was composed by André Previn, who was then early in his distinguished career as a film composer. Previn created a soundtrack that balanced traditional military themes with more intimate, emotional pieces that underscored the film's human drama. The score prominently features martial themes that evoke military tradition and duty, but also incorporates more subtle musical motifs that represent the soldiers' Japanese heritage and the internal conflicts they face. The music during battle sequences is particularly effective, using brass and percussion to create tension and excitement without overwhelming the action. Previn also composed several quieter pieces for the film's more reflective moments, emphasizing the emotional journey of the characters and the bonds they form. The soundtrack was released as a record album and received praise for its ability to enhance the film's narrative without becoming sentimental or overly dramatic.

Memorable Scenes

• The training sequence where Lt. Grayson first meets his men and expresses his prejudices, setting up the character arc
• The battle in Italy where the 442nd first proves their combat effectiveness under fire
• The rescue of the 'Lost Battalion' in the Vosges Mountains, showcasing the regiment's extraordinary heroism
• The scene where Lt. Grayson apologizes to his men for his initial prejudice, marking his complete transformation
• The final ceremony where the regiment receives their decorations, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions
• The quiet moments between soldiers in the barracks, showing their personal stories and motivations
• The scene where the men write letters home, revealing their thoughts about fighting for a country that has discriminated against them

What Critics Said

Contemporary critical reception for 'Go for Broke!' was generally positive, with many reviewers praising its courage in tackling a sensitive subject and its authentic portrayal of military life. The New York Times highlighted the film's 'sincere and moving' approach to its subject matter, while Variety commended its 'realistic battle sequences and strong performances.' Modern critics have come to appreciate the film even more, viewing it as ahead of its time in its treatment of racial prejudice and its nuanced character development. The film is now recognized as an important milestone in the representation of Asian-Americans in Hollywood, with contemporary scholars noting its balanced approach to difficult themes without becoming preachy or melodramatic. Some modern critics have pointed out certain period limitations in the film's perspective, but most acknowledge its groundbreaking nature and lasting impact on both war films and social issue cinema.

What Audiences Thought

Audience reception to 'Go for Broke!' was generally positive, particularly among veterans and military families who appreciated its authentic portrayal of combat and soldierly bonds. The film found especially strong support within Japanese-American communities, who saw their stories and sacrifices represented on screen for the first time in a major Hollywood production. While not a blockbuster hit, the film developed a loyal following and was particularly successful in areas with large veteran populations. Many audience members were moved by the transformation of Van Johnson's character and the film's message about judging individuals by their character rather than their ethnicity. The film's reputation has grown over time, with modern audiences discovering it through classic film channels and educational screenings, where it continues to resonate with viewers interested in WWII history and civil rights stories.

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