Three Came Home (1950) Director: Jean Negulesco Studio: Twentieth Century Fox Starring: Claudette Colbert, Patric Knowles, Florence Desmond, Sessue Hayakawa Release Date: February 20, 1950 Runtime: 106 minutes Format: Black-and-White, Theatrical Release Country: United States Language: English Genres: War, Drama, Biographical --- Summary: *Three Came Home* is based on the memoir of American author Agnes Newton Keith, who recounts her harrowing experiences as a prisoner of war during World War II. Captured by Japanese forces in Borneo, Agnes endures the brutal conditions of an internment camp with her young son. Despite hardship and cruelty, she finds moments of humanity and resilience, particularly through her complex relationship with camp commander Colonel Suga. The film explores themes of survival, dignity, and the human spirit under oppression. --- Background: Directed by Jean Negulesco, the film adapts Keith’s 1947 autobiographical book of the same name. Claudette Colbert delivers one of her most acclaimed dramatic performances as Agnes, drawing attention for her restrained and deeply emotional portrayal. Sessue Hayakawa’s performance as Colonel Suga was widely praised for its depth and nuance, breaking away from stereotypical portrayals of Japanese officers in Hollywood at the time. The movie was produced and released by Twentieth Century Fox, capitalizing on postwar audiences’ interest in personal wartime stories. --- Trivia: * Claudette Colbert sustained an injury during filming when she fell and hurt her back, but she continued working despite the pain. * Sessue Hayakawa received critical acclaim and even Academy Award consideration for his role, revitalizing his Hollywood career. * Agnes Newton Keith herself visited the set and served as a consultant to ensure authenticity. * The real Colonel Suga, on whom Hayakawa’s character was based, committed suicide before standing trial for war crimes after Japan’s surrender. --- Hashtags: \#ThreeCameHome #ClaudetteColbert #SessueHayakawa #JeanNegulesco #TwentiethCenturyFox #WWIIFilm #PrisonerOfWar #ClassicCinema