Watch The Proud and Profane
- Approved
- 1956
- 1 hr 51 min
-
6.2 (659)
The Proud and Profane is a 1956 romantic drama film set during World War II. The film stars William Holden as Lt. Commander 'Texas' Prewitt, Deborah Kerr as Lee Ashley, and Thelma Ritter as Kate Connors. The movie is set in the Pacific Theater of World War II and follows a group of American nurses who are stationed on an island in the South Pacific. The nurses are waiting for their next assignment and are busy treating wounded soldiers who are returning from the frontline.
Lt. Commander 'Texas' Prewitt, a tough-talking former boxer, is sent to the island to train and lead a group of soldiers in a musical performance. Prewitt initially clashes with the strict and demanding Captain Holmes (played by William Redfield), but soon bonds with the nurses, particularly nurse Lee Ashley.
Lee Ashley is a reserved and proper nurse who has been hurt in the past by a failed relationship. She is initially wary of Prewitt's rough exterior but is drawn to his underlying sensitivity and kindness. The two begin a tentative romance that is challenged by the demands of the war and the differences in their backgrounds.
Adding to the drama is the presence of Kate Connors, a wise-cracking and street-savvy nurse who is struggling with her own issues of self-worth. Kate is a fan favorite and provides comic relief throughout the movie.
As the war intensifies, the island comes under attack and the characters are forced to confront their fears and past traumas. The Proud and Profane explores the themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and the human cost of war.
The film was directed by George Seaton and produced by William Perlberg. It was based on a novel by Lillian Day, which was in turn inspired by the real-life experiences of World War II nurses. The movie was well-received by critics and audiences, who praised the performances of William Holden and Deborah Kerr.
Overall, The Proud and Profane is a classic romantic drama that captures the spirit of World War II and the sacrifices made by those on the front lines and at home. It remains a beloved and timeless film that continues to resonate with audiences today.