Army Captain Edward Hall returns to the U.S. after two years in a prison camp in the Korean War. In the camp, he was brainwashed and helped the Chinese convince the other prisoners that they were fighting an unjust war. When he comes back he is charged for collaboration with the enemy. Where does loyalty end in a prison camp, when the camp is a living hell?
Acting
Newman's trembling breakdown — method before method was cool.
Writing
Rod Serling's teleplay simmers with moral rot.
Director
Arnold Laven
Paul Newman
Capt. Edward W. Hall, Jr.
Wendell Corey
Maj. Sam Moulton
Walter Pidgeon
Col. Edward W. Hall, Sr.
Edmond O'Brien
Lt. Col. Frank Wasnick
Anne Francis
Aggie Hall
Lee Marvin
Capt. John R. Miller
Cloris Leachman
Caroline
Robert Burton
Col. Ira Hansen
Robert F. Simon
Law Officer
Trevor Bardette
Court President
Adam Williams
Sgt. Otto Pahnke
James Best
Millard Chilson Cassidy
Fay Roope
Col. Dudley Smith
Barry Atwater
Maj. Byron Phillips
Eve McVeagh
Woman at Airfield
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Released during the McCarthy era, the film dared suggest 'brainwashing' might be complex trauma, not simple treason — risky stuff in 1956.
This was Newman's first lead role after 'Somebody Up There Likes Me,' and studio execs literally called him 'a wonderful new star!' in the trailer like they were surprised.
US
