The Men

Brando's First Film
Fred Zinnemann finally came up with a script that Marlon Brando liked enough to leave the stage and head for Hollywood. And the rest is history. That script turned out to be The Men. Brando is Bud, a parapoliegic shot in WWII and recovering in a veterans hospital. Unfortunatly there is no hope for Bud ever walking again, a fact he refuses to except. This movie is an interesting character study. Brando shows here why he would become the most influential actor of the last half century. He briliantly depicts a man at tremendous odds with himself. The supporting cast of characters, Teresa Wright(Bud's love interest), the doctors, and the men in the hospital, are well cast. Fans of character driven dramas and Brando fans should get a kick out of this film.

Realistic drama about the aftermath of war
This film was Marlon Brando's first staring role in a film, and he provides a masterful performance as a veteran with a spinal cord injury who is coming to grips with his changed life. His faithful wife who displays great courage in sticking with her man through a very difficult time is also well acted. A little melodramatic, as many early 1950's films were, but very realistic. Based on the true story of the first US SCI veterans who were discharged out of the hospital to return home after WW II, it was filmed at a veterans hospital and some of the extras are actual patients at the center. The physician is based on Ernst Bors, MD who is considered the father of SCI care in the USA, and who worked in this field in the VA healthcare system for another 35 years.

Brando's first film!
Marlon Brando's performance alone makes the movie worth watching. His sensitivity to the character's pain is so visible that it's just touching to see. It's a great start to the unforgetable legend's film career. I really enjoyed it simply because of Brando. So if you don't particually care for him, then it's not really worth it.

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