Three Came Home (1950) | Directed by Jean Negulesco

Three Came Home (1950) is a war drama film based on the memoir of the same name by Agnes Newton Keith, depicting her real-life experiences as a prisoner of war. Here’s a breakdown of its key elements:

The movie is set during World War II and follows Agnes Keith, an American writer living in Borneo with her husband and young son. After Japanese forces invade, Agnes and her family are separated and interned in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp. The story highlights her harrowing experiences as she endures the brutality of the camp and struggles to survive, while maintaining hope and resilience.

Director
Jean Negulesco directed the film, known for his ability to bring intense, human-centered stories to the screen with emotional sensitivity.

Star Cast
Claudette Colbert as Agnes Newton Keith
Patric Knowles as Harry Keith, Agnes' husband
Sessue Hayakawa as Colonel Suga, a Japanese officer who develops a complex relationship with Agnes
Florence Desmond as Betty Sommers

Upon its release, Three Came Home was praised for its powerful performances, particularly Claudette Colbert’s portrayal of Agnes, which was seen as both authentic and deeply moving. Sessue Hayakawa’s portrayal of Colonel Suga also received acclaim for its depth and complexity, challenging wartime stereotypes. The film struck a chord with audiences for its emotional intensity and unflinching depiction of wartime suffering, especially the impact of internment on families. However, some critics found the subject matter too intense, given the recent end of WWII.

Three Came Home remains a classic, valued for its historical significance and as an early example of a film portraying a woman’s perspective in war.