Vashirdfel Simply A Masterpiece

SnoReptilePlenty Memorable, crazy movie

Borserie it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.

Caryl It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties. It's a feast for the eyes. But what really makes this dramedy work is the acting.

JohnHowardReid The true story of Ira Hayes is uncompromisingly brought to life in this arresting movie. You will find no sugary sentiment here, no phony romantic interludes, no box office conclusion. A tragic story, well acted, based on an excellent script by Stewart Stern, which in turn was based on Bradford Huie's book, "The Hero of Iwo Jima". For once, Delbert Mann's direction is quite cinematic. Although, as we might expect from a trained in TV director, there are plenty of close-ups, Mann often goes out of his way to use extreme long-shots. And he has elicited a marvelous performance from Gregory Walcott as the tough boot sergeant. Other great production values lie in Joseph La Shelle's superlative photography and Marjorie Fowler's astute film editing.

wbcsatx The official U.S. release date of "The Outsiders" is given as December, 1961, but in late August/early September of 1961, Tony brought the movie to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, CA. to give all us Marines a sneak peek. He had filmed much of the movie at MCRD, plus in Oceanside and downtown San Diego, so he let us "locals" have the first look. Before and after the showing, Curtis came on the stage at the base theater along with his wife Janet Leigh and MCRD Commannder Gen. Victor Krulak, and we jar-heads were totally impressed with ourselves for getting the VIP treatment from such bigshots. Curtis didn't play the usual featherweight role as Ira Hayes, but gave a tough, gritty performance as an alcoholic on the skids. I don't notice "The Outsiders" listed among Tony Curtis's credits in all these obituaries, but if you get a chance to see it don't pass it up.

edwagreen A phenomenal movie where Tony Curtis proved what a great actor he has been with the versatile roles he has done.The make-up artist who had Curtis made up to look like an American-Indian did a phenomenal job.Curtis gives a standout performance as the American-Indian who could not cope with notoriety when he and his buddy helped raise the American flag in that famous picture at Iwo Jima.The picture is sad from the beginning. While in boot camp, Curtis lies to the folks back home in Arizona while writing them that he is one of the guys. Truth is he is shunned by nearly all and is given a very hard time by the drill sergeant. Yes, prejudice was alive and well in the U.S. Army.Unable to cope with his fame, Hayes (Curtis) resorts to drinking and this affects him badly on the bond tour that he and the other survivors are sent on. What a poignant scene when he meets the mothers of those soldiers on the portrait who did not survive the war.Amazing that the army would allow him to continue on the tour while he is boozing it up. Bruce Bennett, as the General, who finally sent him back to combat, is miscast here. He lacked the toughness needed for such a part.There is a wonderful, brief supporting performance by James Franciscus, a soldier who befriended Hayes after fighting him. When the two are called to a meeting and the Franciscus character is killed, his death sets the motion of Hayes's downward spiral.This is the story of a plain person who could not cope with fame. He saw it as hypocrisy as he felt that he was never a hero to begin with.While the tragic ending was made for Hollywood consideration, the story is one of failure of the human spirit to adapt to what happens to one.This was one of Tony Curtis's best performances and am amazed that he wasn't Oscar nominated for this.

mahtab974 This movie "The Outsider" was a pleasant surprise from the moment it started, until the very end of it. I thought that Tony Curtis was supurb as "Ira Hayes"...a part I feel should have won him an Acadamy Award Nomation and/or an Oscar. Tony Curtis was able to give the viewer great insight of the pain felt by this misguided Hero. Also, the raising of the flag on Mt. Suribachi on Iwo Jima looked so real...and gave me such a powerful patriotic feeling. This movie does not come around to view very often...and my one wish is that it would be shown more. It was one of the best movies I have seen in a very long time.