Lieutenant Michael Grayson (Van Johnson) is initially dismissed when he's assigned to the 442nd Regiment. Grayson shares common prejudices about Japanese-Americans and initially treats them roughly; he also nurses a grudge about not being assigned to his National Guard unit. But Grayson grows to love his "Buddha-heads," bonding through combat in Italy and France, and defending them against slurs from other soldiers. After Grayson is reassigned, the 442nd is charged to rescue the "Lost Battalion" surrounded by Germans at Vosges.
Go for Broke! is heavy on the war movie cliches, from its tolerance arc to the goofy antics of its soldiers: a silly subplot involves Tommy's (Henry Nakamura) friendship with an Italian pig. But its central story is undeniably compelling. Just six years removed from WWII, we get a slew of interesting, likeable Asian characters, many refugees from internment camps, who nonetheless side with their country. Concededly most are defined in broad strokes (tough guy, egg head, musician), and the racism they encountered is heavily downplayed. All the same, it's pleasing to see them integrated into a "unit picture" that credits their heroism. Writer-director Pirosh provides the gritty camraderie and understated battle scenes that served him well in Battleground, resulting in a satisfying experience.
Van Johnson gives a competent performance but his nisei co-stars steal the show. Most are veterans of the real 442nd, and their natural performances are likeable without being cutesy. Henry Nakamura (Westward the Women) plays a soldier eager to get revenge on the "Japs" who killed his family at Pearl Harbor. Other standouts include Harry Hamada as an amiable hula musician and Lane Nakano's surly tough. Don Haggerty (Act of Violence) has a small bit as a bigoted Texan.
Go for Broke! won't win a lot of originality points. As a tribute to unsung heroes though, it's certainly commendable.
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