MovieChat Forums > Heaven Knows, Mr. Allison (1957) Discussion > The Japanese

The Japanese

posted 10 years ago by parisel
4 replies | jump to latest

I'm surprised he called them "the Japanese" every single time. I know that's how it would be today, as we are so politically correct, but in 1957, people would have seen nothing wrong with using the word Japs. It's a small thing, but was very unrealistic to me. Almost silly to see a Marine saying that, especially in those circumstances.

I guess it's like looking at clouds. You see one thing and I see another. Peace.

[–] priceja70 10 years ago

I just watched the movie yesterday and he did say the less accepted term a few times but also said "Japanese" nearly as often. LOVE this movie btw!!!

[–] janet-conant 9 years ago

I love it too. I think he does call the Japanese plane a meatball at one point. Mitchum was so tough in this but so gentle with Sister Angela.

[–] jofus224 9 years ago

The term 'meatball' was referring to the round, red sun that was the identifying mark on Japanese airplanes.

"Leave the gun, take the cannoli"

[–] CoriSCapnSkip (1562) 3 months ago

That surprised me too. I liked him calling the plane a "meatball."