I've commented before on THE YOUNG LIONS but I don't see my notes posted here, so I'll run the risk of repeating myself. My main comment was the change from Shaw's view of the Germans of WWII and Hollywood's presentation a little over a decade later. Brando's character (Diestl) in the book is only a blunt, unromantic sergeant; in the film he is a handsome, Nordic-looking (and very romantic) lieutenant. In civilian life, he was a cynical opportunist; on film he is a noble idealist, who must, in the end, atone for serving the bestial Nazi regime that corrupted his idealism. Thus his death scene has a Christ-like quality about it. In the book, Diestl is still an ardent Nazi soldier when, at the end, he shoots and kills Noah, the Montgomery Cliff character. His gun then jams and Michael (Dean Martin) summarily 'executes'him in revenge. (As Michael aims his rifle at point-blank range, Diestl grins and says: "Welcome to Germany.") In the film, Noah lives and returns to his wife and new baby - nice, warm and emotionally satisfying Hollywood ending. (It was commented at the time that, with Brando and Cliff in the same movie, there could be only one sacrificial character: Brando.) In the 1950's, Brando was crusading for civil rights (both for African-Americans and American Indians). His message of justice, toleration and healing of old animosities included an understanding (and forgiveness) of the 'average' German of the 1940's. Shaw viewed all Germans as Nazis and his novel was a bitter diatribe against them. In that vein, the producers chose to shift the emotional focus to Brando's view - after all, Brando was a MAJOR star and Fox wanted to sell the movie in Germany. Shaw, who lived in France, didn't even know Hollywood was making the film until Brando stopped by for a visit, even offering to debate Shaw on TV over the issue of international tolerance dad reconciliation. The debate never occurred. As for the artistry of the production, it is impeccable: cinematography, production values, performances and, especially, the music score. (I own a CD of the score and it is still memorable and exciting to listen to.) This was a major Hollywood studio at it's professional best. One could wish that the excellent DVD had some interesting extras (such as the making of the film), but it is enough to have a very good picture and sound transfer. On its own - discounting its connection with a best-selling and well-known book - the movie is quite enjoyable.
Review of The Young Lions
