“Three Came Home” is a 1950 American war film directed by Jean Negulesco, based on the book of the same name by Agnes Newton Keith, which tells the true story of her and her family’s experiences during the Japanese occupation of Borneo in World War II.
The film stars Claudette Colbert as Agnes Newton Keith, a writer who lived with her husband and young son in Borneo before the war. When the Japanese invade the island, they are all taken prisoner, and separated into different camps.
Agnes is sent to a women’s camp, where she struggles to survive under brutal conditions. She befriends two other women, the compassionate Dutch missionary Mrs. Van Der Poel (Patricia Medina) and the tough Australian nurse Betty Sommers (Sessue Hayakawa). Together, they try to keep their spirits up and help each other through the hardships of the camp.
Meanwhile, Agnes’ husband Harry (Wendell Corey) is held in a men’s camp, where he is subjected to torture and forced labor. Their son, George (Johnny Sands), is taken away from them and placed in a separate children’s camp.
As the war draws to a close, the prisoners are finally liberated, and the Keith family is reunited. However, they are all deeply scarred by their experiences, and struggle to readjust to civilian life.
Overall, “Three Came Home” is a powerful and moving portrayal of the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. It explores the themes of survival, resilience, and the impact of war on individuals and families.
Directors:
Jean Negulesco
Writer:
Nunnally Johnso, Agnes Newton Keith
Stars:
Claudette Colber, Patric Knowles, Florence Desmond
